# validate

/ˈvæɫədeɪt/ (US) · /vˈælɪdˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/validate
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

to prove that something is true, correct, or useful. You also use this when you check that a ticket or document is legal and ready to use.

For teachers: to demonstrate or support the truth or value of something; to give official sanction or legal force to a document or process. Often involves checking for compliance with established standards or rules.

## Examples

- The scientist ran more tests to validate the results.
- You must validate your train ticket at the machine on the platform before you board.
- The recent market data serves to validate the company's long-term strategy of investing in renewable energy despite the initial high costs.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The results validated by the team." but "The results were validated by the team." — Learners often use the past participle alone as a main verb; 'validate' requires an auxiliary verb in the passive voice.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as a theory, a feeling, or a document.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.