Valid
/ˈvælɪd/noun
Officially acceptable, legally binding, or logically sound.
Did you know?Valid ultimately comes from Latin valēre, meaning “to be strong,” the same ancient root behind words tied to worth, power, and health — so a “valid” claim was originally a claim with force behind it.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wal-
“to be strong, be well”
Latin
Latin
valēre
“to be strong, be well, have power”
Late Latin
Latin
validus
“strong, powerful, effective”
Old French
Old French
valide
“strong, effective, legally sound”
15th Century
English
valid
“strong, sound, legally sufficient”
Modern English
English
valid
“officially acceptable or logically sound”
Explore more surprising origins