A valid argument, comment, or idea is based on sensible reasoning.
They put forward many valid reasons for not exporting.
It is valid to consider memory the oldest mental skill, from which all others derive.
He recognized the valid points that both sides were making.
validity (vælɪdɪti)uncountable noun [usually with poss]
The editorial in the Financial Times says this argument has lost much of its validity.
Synonyms: soundness, force, power, grounds More Synonyms of valid
2. adjective
Something that is valid is important or serious enough to make it worth saying or doing.
Most designers share the unspoken belief that fashion is a valid form of visual art.
validityuncountable noun
...the validity of making children wear cycle helmets. [+ of]
Synonyms: soundness, force, power, grounds More Synonyms of valid
3. adjective
If a ticket or other document is valid, it can be used and will be accepted by people in authority.
For foreign holidays you will need a valid passport.
All tickets are valid for two months.
Synonyms: legal, official, legitimate, correct More Synonyms of valid
4. See also validity
More Synonyms of valid
valid in British English
(ˈvælɪd)
adjective
1.
having some foundation; based on truth
2.
legally acceptable
a valid licence
3.
a.
having legal force; effective
b.
having legal authority; binding
4.
having some force or cogency
a valid point in a debate
5. logic
(of an inference or argument) having premises and conclusion so related that whenever the former are true the latter must also be true, esp (formally valid) when the inference is justified by the form of the premises and conclusion alone. Thus Tom is a bachelor; therefore Tom is unmarried is valid but not formally so, while today is hot and dry; therefore today is hot is formally valid
Compare invalid2 (sense 2)
6. archaic
healthy or strong
Derived forms
validity (vəˈlɪdɪtɪ) or validness (ˈvalidness)
noun
validly (ˈvalidly)
adverb
Word origin
C16: from Latin validus robust, from valēre to be strong
valid in American English
(ˈvælɪd)
adjective
1.
having legal force; properly executed and binding under the law
2.
well-grounded on principles or evidence; able to withstand criticism or objection, as an argument; sound
3.
effective, effectual, cogent, etc.
4. Rare
robust; strong; healthy
5. Logic
correctly derived or inferred according to the rules of logic
SYNONYMY NOTE: valid applies to that which cannot be objected to because it conforms to law, logic, thefacts, etc. [a valid criticism]; sound2 refers to that which is firmly grounded on facts, evidence, logic, etc. and is thereforefree from error [a sound method]; cogent implies such a powerful appeal to the mind as to appear conclusive [cogent reasoning]; convincing implies such validity as to persuade or overcome doubts or opposition [a convincing argument]; telling suggests the power to have the required effect by being forcible, striking, relevant,etc. [a telling rejoinder]
OPPOSITE: fallacious
Derived forms
validly (ˈvalidly)
adverb
validness (ˈvalidness)
noun
Word origin
Fr valide < L validus, strong, powerful (in ML, valid) < valere, to be strong: see value
Examples of 'valid' in a sentence
valid
The furious five undeniably have a valid point.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Tickets are valid over all weekends and include half-term.
The Sun (2017)
All of which are valid points, but they suggest that people have forgotten what a great player he was at his peak.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Charm is no longer considered valid in theatre and opera.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Most of us can see the valid points made on both sides of the question.
Christianity Today (2000)
To what degree does quoting sources make an argument more valid?
Goshgarian, Gary Exploring language (6th edn) (1995)
The firm would have to accept this unless it has a valid legal reason for refusing.
The Sun (2016)
Voucher valid for a free small portion of chips.
The Sun (2012)
You simply require a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Your tickets will be valid for one specific day from one of your chosen bands.
The Sun (2013)
There are simply no valid arguments against daytime running lights.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The voucher is valid at any of the parks featured in this pullout.
The Sun (2015)
Winner and guest must have valid passport or photo driving licence.
The Sun (2008)
Tickets are valid for a specific day from your chosen band.
The Sun (2013)
The council said that any objections on animal welfare grounds could not be considered as valid reasons for refusing the application.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
He makes a valid point.
The Sun (2016)
This is a complex area, so you may need to take advice to be sure that any claim you make is valid.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Still, there were many valid attacks on Labour.
The Sun (2008)
There are many valid criticisms to be made of American healthcare, but let me tell a story that helps explain its strengths.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
valid
British English: valid /ˈvælɪd/ ADJECTIVE
A valid reason or argument is logical and reasonable, and therefore worth taking seriously.
He recognized the valid points that both sides were making.
American English: valid
Arabic: صَالِح
Brazilian Portuguese: válido
Chinese: 有效的
Croatian: valjan
Czech: přesvědčivý
Danish: gyldig
Dutch: geldig
European Spanish: válido
Finnish: voimassaoleva
French: valide
German: berechtigt
Greek: έγκυρος
Italian: valido
Japanese: 正当な
Korean: 정당한
Norwegian: gyldig
Polish: ważny uzasadniony
European Portuguese: válido
Romanian: valid
Russian: действительный
Latin American Spanish: válido
Swedish: giltig
Thai: มีผลบังคับใช้
Turkish: geçerli
Ukrainian: вагомий
Vietnamese: có giá trị
All related terms of 'valid'
valid point
The point of what you are saying or discussing is the most important part that provides a reason or explanation for the rest .
valid excuse
An excuse is a reason which you give in order to explain why something has been done or has not been done, or in order to avoid doing something.
valid reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
formally valid
(of an inference or argument) when the inference is justified by the form of the premises and conclusion alone . Thus Tom is a bachelor ; therefore Tom is unmarried is valid but not formally so, while today is hot and dry; therefore today is hot is formally valid
valid argument
An argument is a statement or set of statements that you use in order to try to convince people that your opinion about something is correct .
valid criticism
Criticism is the action of expressing disapproval of something or someone. A criticism is a statement that expresses disapproval.
valid passport
Your passport is an official document containing your name, photograph , and personal details , which you need to show when you enter or leave a country.
Chinese translation of 'valid'
valid
(ˈvælɪd)
adj
[ticket, document]有效的 (yǒuxiào de)
[argument, reason]令人信服的 (lìng rén xìnfú de)
1 (adjective)
Definition
based on sound reasoning
Both sides have made valid points.
Synonyms
sound
They are trained nutritionists who can give sound advice on diets.
good
Can you think of one good reason why I should tell you?
reasonable
He's a reasonable sort of chap.
just
telling
powerful
a powerful drama about a corrupt city leader
convincing
Scientists say there is no convincing evidence for this theory.
substantial
acceptable
sensible
rational
a rational decision
logical
a logical argument
viable
credible
sustainable
plausible
conclusive
weighty
well-founded
We must respond to well-founded criticism with a willingness to change.
cogent
He makes a cogent argument for a more egalitarian education system.
well-grounded
Opposites
weak
,
false
,
unacceptable
,
spurious
,
unrealistic
,
bogus
,
untrue
,
sham
,
unfounded
,
illogical
,
baseless
,
unrecognized
,
fallacious
2 (adjective)
Definition
legally acceptable
For foreign holidays you will need a valid passport.
Synonyms
legal
What I did was perfectly legal.
official
An official announcement is expected later today.
legitimate
They have demanded the restoration of the legitimate government.
correct
genuine
They are convinced the painting is genuine.
proper
Please ensure that the proper procedures are followed.
in effect
authentic
patterns for making authentic border-style clothing
in force
The new tax is already in force.
lawful
lawful for the doctors to treat her in whatever way they considered best
bona fide
We are happy to donate to bona fide charitable causes.
legally binding
signed and sealed
Opposites
illegal
,
unofficial
,
unlawful
, invalid,
inoperative
Additional synonyms
in the sense of authentic
Definition
of undisputed origin or authorship
patterns for making authentic border-style clothing
Synonyms
real,
true,
original,
actual,
pure,
genuine,
valid,
faithful,
undisputed,
veritable,
lawful,
on the level (informal),
bona fide,
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
pukka,
the real McCoy,
true-to-life,
live
in the sense of bona fide
Definition
undertaken in good faith
We are happy to donate to bona fide charitable causes.
Synonyms
genuine,
real,
true,
legal,
actual,
legitimate,
authentic,
honest,
veritable,
lawful,
on the level (informal),
kosher (informal),
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
the real McCoy
in the sense of cogent
Definition
forcefully convincing
He makes a cogent argument for a more egalitarian education system.
Synonyms
convincing,
strong,
powerful,
effective,
compelling,
urgent,
influential,
potent,
irresistible,
compulsive,
forceful,
conclusive,
weighty,
forcible
Synonyms of 'valid'
valid
Explore 'valid' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of convincing
Scientists say there is no convincing evidence for this theory.
Synonyms
persuasive,
credible,
conclusive,
incontrovertible,
telling,
likely,
powerful,
impressive,
probable,
plausible,
cogent,
verisimilar
in the sense of genuine
Definition
real and exactly what it appears to be
They are convinced the painting is genuine.
Synonyms
authentic,
real,
original,
actual,
sound,
true,
pure,
sterling,
valid,
legitimate,
honest,
veritable,
bona fide,
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
pukka,
the real McCoy
in the sense of good
Can you think of one good reason why I should tell you?
Synonyms
valid,
convincing,
compelling,
legitimate,
authentic,
persuasive,
sound,
bona fide
in the sense of in force
Definition
(of a law) having legal validity
The new tax is already in force.
Synonyms
valid,
working,
current,
effective,
binding,
operative,
operational,
in operation,
on the statute book
in the sense of lawful
Definition
allowed, recognized, or sanctioned by law
lawful for the doctors to treat her in whatever way they considered best
Synonyms
legal,
constitutional,
just,
proper,
valid,
warranted,
legitimate,
authorized,
rightful,
permissible,
legalized,
allowable,
licit
in the sense of legitimate
Definition
authorized by or in accordance with law
They have demanded the restoration of the legitimate government.
Synonyms
lawful,
real,
true,
legal,
acknowledged,
sanctioned,
genuine,
proper,
authentic,
statutory,
authorized,
rightful,
kosher (informal),
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
legit (slang),
licit
in the sense of logical
Definition
capable of or using clear and valid reasoning
a logical argument
Synonyms
rational,
clear,
reasoned,
reasonable,
sound,
relevant,
consistent,
valid,
coherent,
pertinent,
well-organized,
cogent,
well-reasoned,
deducible
in the sense of official
Definition
approved by or derived from authority
An official announcement is expected later today.
Synonyms
authorized,
approved,
formal,
sanctioned,
licensed,
proper,
endorsed,
warranted,
legitimate,
authentic,
ratified,
certified,
authoritative,
accredited,
bona fide,
signed and sealed,
ex officio,
ex cathedra,
straight from the horse's mouth (informal)
in the sense of powerful
a powerful drama about a corrupt city leader
Synonyms
persuasive,
convincing,
effective,
telling,
moving,
striking,
storming,
dramatic,
impressive,
compelling,
authoritative,
forceful,
weighty,
forcible,
cogent,
effectual
in the sense of proper
Definition
suited to a particular purpose
Please ensure that the proper procedures are followed.
Synonyms
correct,
accepted,
established,
appropriate,
right,
formal,
conventional,
accurate,
exact,
precise,
legitimate,
orthodox,
apt
Additional synonyms
in the sense of rational
Definition
reasonable or sensible
a rational decision
Synonyms
sensible,
sound,
wise,
reasonable,
intelligent,
realistic,
logical,
enlightened,
sane,
lucid,
judicious,
sagacious,
grounded
in the sense of reasonable
Definition
logical
He's a reasonable sort of chap.
Synonyms
sensible,
reasoned,
sound,
practical,
wise,
intelligent,
rational,
logical,
sober,
credible,
plausible,
sane,
judicious,
grounded
in the sense of well-founded
Definition
having a sound basis in fact
We must respond to well-founded criticism with a willingness to change.