Word
validate
Phoneticsval·i·date, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈvæɫədeɪt/
UK/vˈælɪdˌeɪt/
Definition
v. 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.
v. 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.”
Examples
simple
“The scientist ran more tests to validate the results.”
contextual
“You must validate your train ticket at the machine on the platform before you board.”
complex
“The recent market data serves to validate the company's long-term strategy of investing in renewable energy despite the initial high costs.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as a theory, a feeling, or a document.
Pitfall
The results validated by the team.
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.
Real-World Examples
“The "context muscle" is trained by developing deeper relationships with potential mentors or "anchors," who can serve as mirrors and validate identity in times of instability, due to the socially constructed nature of identity.” “At checkout, the retailer validates the signed authorization record and evaluates the proposed purchase against it.” Etymology
First attested in 1648; borrowed from Medieval Latin validātus (“to validate”) (perhaps through Middle French valider), the perfect passive participle of validō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from validus + -ō (verb-forming suffix). By surface analysis, valid + -ate.
First attested in 1586; borrowed from Medieval Latin validātus, see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and Etymolgy 1 for more.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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