validity.

the extent to which an argument, measure, or inference satisfies the standards relevant to its use

Use it for

Words that belong together

• internal validity
• construct validity
• validity of an argument

On the page

The critique questions the validity of the inference.

A reliable test can still lack validity for a particular purpose.

The argument's validity does not establish the truth of its premises.

Usage notes

Primary curation section: Academic. In logic, validity concerns whether the conclusion follows from the premises, not whether the premises are true. Measurement validity concerns what is actually measured. Usually uncountable. Related adjective: valid.