validate

/ˈvælɪdeɪt/ formal

Say it: VAL-ih-dayt

1. verb To check or prove the accuracy, truth, or soundness of something.
The researchers ran multiple experiments to validate their hypothesis.
2. verb To make something legally or officially acceptable or effective.
You need to get your ticket validated by the machine before boarding the train.
3. verb To recognize, affirm, or accept the legitimacy or worth of a person or their feelings.
Sometimes, you just need a friend to listen and validate your feelings.

📖 Seen in the wild

Further research is needed to validate the preliminary findings of the study.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ validate in a sentence

The system is designed to validate user credentials before granting access.
Independent auditors were hired to validate the company's financial statements.
He sought to validate his life choices by pointing to his professional success.
Before we can accept the data, we must validate its source.
A good therapist will validate your emotional experience without judgment.
The cashier will validate your parking stub when you make a purchase.
The new evidence did not validate the initial claims made by the witness.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

confirm verify corroborate substantiate authenticate ratify endorse certify

confirm · suggests making sure of something already believed to be true.

verify · implies a careful check against a standard for accuracy.

corroborate · means to support a claim with new, independent evidence.

substantiate · involves providing solid, concrete proof for something.

Opposites: invalidate, disprove, refute, contradict, discredit

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'validate' comes from the Latin 'validus', meaning 'strong, effective, or powerful'. It entered English through the Medieval Latin 'validare', which meant 'to make strong'. This core idea of strength is central to all its modern meanings, whether it's making a legal argument strong, a scientific theory strong with proof, or a person feel emotionally strong through affirmation.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

validate the resultsvalidate a theoryvalidate user inputvalidate a claimvalidate someone's feelingsvalidate a ticket

'Validate' is a strong, often formal word that implies a thorough check for soundness or official approval. In technical contexts, it refers to ensuring data meets certain rules. Its psychological sense, 'to validate feelings', has become widespread but retains a slightly clinical tone. Be careful not to confuse it with 'vindicate', which means to clear someone of blame or suspicion.

Word family: validation, valid, validity, validator

💬 Quick answers

What does it mean to validate something?

To validate something means to confirm that it is accurate, sound, or officially acceptable. It can also mean to acknowledge that a person's feelings are legitimate and understandable.

What is the difference between 'validate' and 'verify'?

'Verify' typically means to check for correctness (e.g., verify an email address). 'Validate' is often broader, implying a confirmation of overall soundness, worth, or official status (e.g., validate a theory or a contract).

What does it mean to validate a person's feelings?

It means to recognize and acknowledge their emotions as real and understandable, without necessarily agreeing with them. It is a way of showing empathy and affirming their experience.

Is 'validate' a formal word?

Yes, it is generally a formal word used in technical, scientific, and legal contexts. However, its psychological meaning has become more common in everyday conversation.

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