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validate
/ˈvælɪdeɪt/
confirm correctness
The software automatically validates user input to prevent errors.
The program checks the user's data to ensure it is correct before processing.
formal
To check or prove the accuracy, validity, or legitimacy of something.
The bank validates the customer's identity before approving the loan.
The bank confirms the customer's identity before approving the loan.
Scientists validate their findings through repeated experiments.
Scientists confirm their results by conducting experiments multiple times.
Often used in technical, legal, or scientific contexts to ensure compliance with standards or rules.
Law
legal
(In law) To make legally valid or binding.
The contract must be validated by a notary to be enforceable.
The contract needs official certification to be legally binding.
Refers to the formal process of making a document or agreement legally effective.
Technology
technical
(In computing) To check if data or a user meets certain requirements or rules.
The website validates passwords to ensure they meet security criteria.
The website checks passwords to confirm they include numbers and special characters.
Common in programming and software development to ensure input data is correct.
Collocations
validate a claimconfirm a statement is truevalidate a ticketcheck a ticket for authenticityvalidate a theoryprove a hypothesis is correct
Pro Tip
Use 'validate' for formal or technical contexts
Prefer 'validate' over 'check' or 'prove' in professional settings (e.g., 'The lab validated the results') to sound more precise.
Gold Rule
Validation vs. Verification
'Validate' answers 'Is this correct according to standards?'; 'verify' answers 'Is this factually true?' Use 'validate' for processes (e.g., software input checks) and 'verify' for facts (e.g., checking a claim).
Word Origin
From Latin *validare* (to make strong, confirm), derived from *validus* (strong, valid). Entered English in the late 17th century via French *valider*.
Usage Notes
Avoid confusing with 'verify'—'validate' implies proving something meets a standard, while 'verify' means confirming factual accuracy. 'Validate' often requires an external authority or process.
Word Breakdown
valid-
strong, legally binding
root-ate
to make or perform
suffixEnglish Dictionary