Definition of valid

The word "valid" has its origins in the Latin word "valere," which means "to be strong or healthy." In the 14th century, the Latin phrase "validus," meaning "strong or powerful," was borrowed into Middle English as "valid." Initially, the word meant "strong, sturdy, or vigorous" and was used to describe physical strength. Over time, the meaning of "valid" expanded to include intellectual and moral strength. In the 16th century, the word came to mean "having a legitimate claim" or "being in accordance with reason or principle." This sense of the word is now used in philosophy, law, and other fields to describe something that is logically sound, reasonable, and supported by evidence. Despite its original connotation of physical strength, the word "valid" has evolved to encompass a broader sense of intellectual and moral authority.