validity
validity — noun
1. how well a statement, argument, or theory is supported by facts and reason, so t
how well a statement, argument, or theory is supported by facts and reason, so that it can be accepted as true or correct
Bao questioned the validity of the study's findings because the sample was too small.
validity of + noun phrase (study's findings)
The validity of Hana's argument depends on whether the data she used is accurate.
validity as grammatical subject; depends on + whether-clause
Critics have raised serious doubts about the validity of the government's climate report.
To test the validity of the theory, Gabriel repeated the experiment three times.
Many people now question the validity of the old belief that eggs harm your heart.
- soundness
more technical, often used in logic and philosophy
- credibility
emphasises whether something can be believed rather than whether it is formally logical
- legitimacy
carries a stronger sense of being justified or rightful, not just fact-based
- invalidity
the direct opposite; the state of not being valid
- unsoundness
used particularly for arguments or reasoning that are flawed
文法句型
validity of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used in academic and formal contexts. The verb commonly paired with this sense is question, test, check, or doubt, and the noun phrase following 'of' usually names a claim, theory, finding, or argument.
常見錯誤
2. the legal status of a document, agreement, or decision that makes it effective a
the legal status of a document, agreement, or decision that makes it effective and accepted by law
A judge will decide on the validity of the contract next week.
decide on the validity of + noun phrase
The validity of a will can be challenged if it was not signed by witnesses.
passive: can be challenged; validity of a will
Without a stamp from the city office, the permit loses its legal validity.
Lawyers are checking the validity of Tomás's visa before he can travel.
The court will review the validity of the agreement signed last year.
- legality
focuses on whether something follows the law, not whether it has binding force
- lawfulness
broader term that can apply to actions, not just documents
- force
as in 'legal force', emphasises binding power rather than formal acceptance
- invalidity
the state of being not legally effective
- nullity
a stronger term meaning something has no legal existence at all
文法句型
validity of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Subject is usually a document, contract, will, visa, permit, or agreement. Common verbs paired with this sense include challenge, check, decide on, review, or lose. This sense does not apply to arguments, theories, or claims.