validate
validate — verb
1. To check something carefully according to a set of rules, and then declare that
To check something carefully according to a set of rules, and then declare that it meets the required standard — for example, when an official stamps a document to confirm it is valid, or a committee approves an application after reviewing it.
The lab technician validated the test results before sending them to the doctor.
passive alternative: results are validated by an expert
Mert took his parking ticket to the shop counter to have it validated.
have + object + validated (causative pattern)
The election commission validated the ballots after checking every signature.
Before the trip, Justin's visa application was validated by the consulate office.
passive: be validated by [authority]
- validate a document
- validate a ticket
- validate a passport
- validate results
- validate an election
- validate an application
- approve
broader meaning — 'approve' can mean simply 'agree with', while 'validate' implies checking against specific rules
- certify
more specific — 'certify' usually involves an official written document or license
- authenticate
focuses on proving something is genuine rather than checking it meets standards
- invalidate
direct opposite — to declare something officially unacceptable or void
- reject
to refuse to accept or approve
Grammar Patterns
validate + noun phrase (document, ticket, result, application)
Usage Note
Frequently used in passive constructions (be validated, get validated, have something validated). Common in administrative, legal, and official formal contexts — not typically used for casual personal approval.
Common Mistakes
2. To show through evidence or testing that a claim, piece of data, or theory is tr
To show through evidence or testing that a claim, piece of data, or theory is true or accurate — for instance, when new experimental findings confirm a previous scientific hypothesis.
Dr. Chen's experiment validated the team's theory about how birds navigate.
scientific context: validate + theory / findings
The survey data validated what residents had been saying about the lack of streetlights.
Eitan felt validated when the report showed his concerns about safety were correct.
passive: feel validated when evidence supports
New studies have validated the link between exercise and better memory in older adults.
collocation: validate the link / the connection
- validate a theory
- validate findings
- validate data
- validate a claim
- validate a hypothesis
- validate results
- confirm
more general — 'confirm' can be used in everyday situations; 'validate' suggests stronger, more systematic evidence
- verify
focuses on checking accuracy against a known standard; 'validate' checks whether something is true or correct
- corroborate
more formal — 'corroborate' means to support with additional evidence from a different source
- disprove
to prove that something is false through evidence
- contradict
to be in opposition to a claim or piece of evidence
Grammar Patterns
validate + noun phrase (theory, claim, data, findings)
validate + that-clause
Usage Note
Common in academic and scientific writing. The subject is often a study, experiment, data set, or piece of evidence. Can also be used for personal experiences or feelings when evidence shows they were justified.