valid

Where does the word "valid" come from? It comes from Latin validus, passing through French before entering English (1570s).

Valid’s story begins in Latin: validus meant “strong.” From 'valere', to be strong. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as valide. Latin 'validus' meant strong, from 'valere', to be strong; in English it first meant legally binding, in the 1570s. It reached English by 1570s as valid. 'valid argument' dates from the 1600s. Today, valid means legally binding; well founded.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient validus "strong", from 'valere', to be strong.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1500s valide "valid", Latin 'validus' meant strong, from 'valere', to be strong; in English it first meant legally binding, in the 1570s.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1570s valid "legally sound", 'valid argument' dates from the 1600s.