What is valid? Pronunciation and usage in English

valid means . Learn how to pronounce and use valid through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of valid

validadjective

/ˈvalɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of valid

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "valid." Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and explanation:

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈvælɪd/

Here's a breakdown of how to say it:

  • ˈvæl - This part sounds like "vell" – short and quick. Think of the word "well" but with a shorter "e" sound.
  • ɪd - This part is tricky for some. It sounds like "id," with a short “i” sound, like in the word “bit.”

Putting it together: Say it as one word: “Vell-id”

Tips and Considerations:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("vell").
  • American vs. British: The pronunciation is fairly consistent across American and British English.
  • Don’t over-emphasize the “id”: It’s a quick, clipped sound.

Resources for Hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation?
  • Offer a practice phrase using the word "valid"?

Usage and examples with the word valid in English

Let's break down how to use the word "valid" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, but they all revolve around the idea of being correct, sound, or legitimate.

1. Primarily – Correct & Accurate:

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. "Valid" means something is correct, accurate, and reliable. It meets the necessary criteria to be considered true or genuine.
  • Examples:
    • "Your excuse isn’t valid; you were late because you overslept." (The excuse isn't a truthful or acceptable reason.)
    • "The research data is valid, so we can trust the results." (The data is accurate and reliable.)
    • "Is this parking ticket valid?" (Is it legitimate and enforceable?)
    • "He presented a valid argument for his proposal." (His argument was logical and well-supported.)

2. Legitimate & Authorized:

  • Meaning: “Valid” can also mean something is legitimate, authorized, or officially recognized. It implies a proper or recognized basis for something.
  • Examples:
    • "She has a valid passport." (It’s an authentic and recognized travel document.)
    • "He presented a valid ID to prove his age." (He had proof of his age that was officially accepted.)
    • "The company needs a valid license to operate." (They need a legal authorization to do business.)
    • "The contract is valid as long as both parties sign it." (The contract is legally binding and recognized.)

3. (Less Common) Logical & Sound:

  • Meaning: Sometimes, “valid” is used to describe an argument or reasoning that’s logically sound – it follows a correct structure and leads to a reasonable conclusion. This usage is more formal.
  • Example: “His reasoning was valid, and I agreed with his conclusion.” (His argument was well-constructed and logical).

Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Correct: This is often a good substitute.
  • Accurate: When referring to information or data.
  • Genuine: When referring to authenticity.
  • Sound: (Especially in the context of arguments – “a sound argument”)
  • Legitimate: Especially when referring to authorization or validity.
  • Authentic: When referring to something that is real and not fake.
  • Validating: (as a verb) – Confirming that something is valid.

Key Differences to Note:

  • Valid vs. Correct: "Valid" goes a bit deeper than just "correct." It often implies that something has been checked and confirmed to be right. "Correct" simply means accurate.
  • Valid vs. True: “True” means factually correct – it aligns with reality. “Valid” focuses on the process of establishing that correctness or legitimacy.

Tips for Using "Valid":

  • Context is key: The specific meaning of "valid" depends on the context of the sentence.
  • Don't overuse it: There are often more specific words you can use (e.g., "authentic," "legitimate," "accurate").

Could you give me an example sentence you'd like me to analyze or a situation where you're wondering how to use "valid"? That will help me tailor my explanation even further.

Synonyms for the word valid

Practice with vocabulary valid

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The research findings provided a ______ basis for the new policy.
  2. He struggled to differentiate ______ the two similar-sounding concepts.
  3. To make your claim ______, you need to present more robust evidence.
  4. The team's proposal seemed quite ______ and well-reasoned, even if it wasn't ultimately chosen.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following best describes a valid argument? A) One that is based purely on personal emotion. B) One that is logically sound and well-supported by evidence. C) One that is universally accepted without any scrutiny. D) One that appeals exclusively to a specific audience's existing biases.

  2. Which situations would typically require a document to be considered valid? A) A passport for international travel. B) A preliminary draft of meeting minutes. C) A legal contract for property acquisition. D) A ticket for entry to a scheduled event.

  3. The CEO asked if the data was valid for making such a crucial strategic decision. This implies she questioned its: A) accessibility and ease of use. B) relevance and reliability. C) financial cost and budget implications. D) aesthetic presentation and visual appeal.

  4. The committee needs to determine if the proposed changes are truly feasible. Which options indicate feasibility? A) They are economically viable within the budget. B) They are politically popular among all stakeholders. C) They can be practically implemented with current resources. D) They are aesthetically pleasing to the design team.

  5. To corroborate a statement means to: A) contradict it directly with new information. B) question its underlying assumptions critically. C) confirm or give additional support to it. D) summarize its main points concisely.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The evidence provided strong support for the researcher's hypothesis. (Rewrite using "valid" or a related word form.)
  2. She felt her concerns were completely justified and should be addressed immediately. (Rewrite using "valid" or a related word form.)
  3. His reasoning for resigning was sound and well-thought-out, despite the circumstances. (Rewrite, but do not use "valid"; use a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. valid
  2. between
  3. valid
  4. plausible (or 'sound', 'sensible')

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) One that is logically sound and well-supported by evidence.
  2. A) A passport for international travel. C) A legal contract for property acquisition. D) A ticket for entry to a scheduled event.
  3. B) relevance and reliability.
  4. A) They are economically viable within the budget. C) They can be practically implemented with current resources.
  5. C) confirm or give additional support to it.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The evidence provided strong validation for the researcher's hypothesis. (or: The evidence made the researcher's hypothesis valid.)
  2. She felt her concerns were entirely valid and should be addressed immediately. (or: She felt there was validity in her concerns, and they should be addressed immediately.)
  3. His reasoning for resigning was cogent and well-thought-out, despite the circumstances. (or: His reasoning for resigning was compelling and well-thought-out, despite the circumstances.)

Comment ()