Validity

/vəˈlɪdəti/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The quality of being logically or factually sound; soundness of reasoning or argument.
The validity of the experiment's results was questioned due to potential biases in the data collection.
The state of being acceptable according to the law or rules.
The validity of the contract was upheld in court despite the challenges raised by the defendant.
The degree to which a concept, conclusion, or measurement is well-founded and corresponds accurately to the real world.
Researchers must ensure the validity of their surveys to obtain reliable data.
The period during which something is valid or in effect.
The validity of the parking permit expires at the end of the month.

Etymology

From Latin 'validitas', from 'validus' meaning 'strong, powerful'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

face validity
The extent to which a test appears to measure what it's supposed to measure.
internal validity
The degree to which an experiment supports clear causal conclusions.
external validity
The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other situations or people.

Related Words

valid
Having legal force; acceptable.
validate
To confirm the legitimacy or accuracy of something.
validation
The action of checking or proving the validity or accuracy of something.

Slang Meanings

To confirm or back up something.
This evidence really gives validity to your claim.
To validate one's feelings or experiences.
Your story has so much validity; I can relate to that.