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.
- 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
文法句型
validate + noun phrase (document, ticket, result, application)
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
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.
New studies have validated the link between exercise and better memory in older adults.
- 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
文法句型
validate + noun phrase (theory, claim, data, findings)
validate + that-clause
用法筆記
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.