True vs. Valid
"True" refers to the factual accuracy or reality of something, while "valid" pertains to the logical correctness or soundness of an argument.
Difference Between True and Valid
On the other hand, "valid" is a term often used in logic and reasoning. It doesn't necessarily address the factual accuracy of the content but rather the structural correctness of an argument. An argument can be valid if its conclusion logically follows from its premises, regardless of whether the premises are true. For example, in a hypothetical syllogism, if all roses are flowers and all flowers fade, then all roses fade. The argument's structure is valid, even if the premises were different.
It's worth noting that truth and validity can intersect. A sound argument, for instance, is both true (in its premises) and valid (in its structure). However, it's possible for an argument to be valid without being true. Similarly, a statement can be true without being part of a valid argument.
True and valid, as terms, serve different functions in discourse. True primarily deals with factual alignment, while valid concerns the soundness of reasoning or structure. Recognizing this distinction is crucial, especially in debates or discussions, as it can influence the way we evaluate and process information.
The term "true" is primarily associated with the concept of reality or factual correctness. When something is described as true, it corresponds with the actual state of affairs or a verifiable fact. In the context of statements or beliefs, truth implies a direct match with how things really are. For instance, when we say a statement about historical events is true, we mean it accurately reflects what happened in the past.
True vs. Valid Comparison Chart
Reality or actual state of affairs
Soundness of arguments or claims
Structure or form
Subjective based on logical structure
Relates to the accuracy of premises
Relates to the structure of the argument
True vs. Valid Definitions
In accordance with fact or reality.
The story she told was true.
Legally binding due to being executed in compliance with the law.
The contract was valid.
Accurate or exact.
His aim was true.
Well-founded on evidence or fact.
She had a valid point in the debate.
Faithful or loyal.
He remained a true friend.
Effective or binding.
The coupon is no longer valid.
Consistent with a standard or original.
The reproduction was true to the original painting.
Well grounded; just
a valid objection.
Consistent with fact or reality; not false or erroneous
the true cost.
Producing the desired results; efficacious
Not counterfeit; real or genuine
Having legal force; effective or binding
a valid title.
Conforming to the characteristics or criteria of a group or type; typical
a true crab.
a true gentleman.
Containing premises from which the conclusion may logically be derived
a valid argument.
Correctly inferred or deduced from a premise
a valid conclusion.
a true prophecy.
(Archaic) Of sound health; robust.
Faithful, as to a friend, vow, or cause; loyal.
Well grounded or justifiable, pertinent.
I will believe him as soon as he offers a valid answer.
(Archaic) Truthful, honest, or trustworthy.
Acceptable, proper or correct; in accordance with the rules.
A valid format for the date is DD/MM/YY.
Do not drive without a valid license.
Sincerely felt or expressed; unfeigned
Related to the current topic, or presented within context, relevant.
the true heir.
(logic) Of a formula or system: such that it evaluates to true regardless of the input values.
Exactly conforming to a rule, standard, or pattern
trying to sing true B.
(logic) Of an argument: whose conclusion is always true whenever its premises are true.
An argument is valid if and only if the set consisting of both (1) all of its premises and (2) the contradictory of its conclusion is inconsistent.
Accurately shaped, fitted, or placed
Are the wheels true?.
Genuine - as distinguished from efficient or regular - sacrament.
Determined with reference to the earth's axis, not the magnetic poles
Strong; powerful; efficient.
Quick and exact in sensing and responding
a true ear.
Having sufficient strength or force; founded in truth; capable of being justified, defended, or supported; not weak or defective; sound; good; efficacious; as, a valid argument; a valid objection.
An answer that is open to no valid exception.
(Computers) Indicating one of two possible values taken by a variable in Boolean logic or a binary device.
Having legal strength or force; executed with the proper formalities; incapable of being rightfully overthrown or set aside; as, a valid deed; a valid covenant; a valid instrument of any kind; a valid claim or title; a valid marriage.
In accord with reality, fact, or truthfulness.
well grounded in logic or truth or having legal force;
a valid inference
a valid argument
a valid contract
a valid license
The archer aimed true.
still legally acceptable;
the license is still valid
So as to conform to a type, standard, or pattern.
Logically sound or correct.
The reasoning behind the theory was valid.
To position (something) so as to make it balanced, level, or square
trued up the long planks.
Having force, weight, or cogency.
His concerns were valid.
Truth or reality. Used with the.
Proper alignment or adjustment
out of true.
(of a statement) Conforming to the actual state of reality or fact; factually correct.
This is a true story.
As an ellipsis of "(while) it is true (that)", used to start a sentence
True, I have only read part of the book, but I like it so far.
Conforming to a rule or pattern; exact; accurate.
a true copy;
a true likeness of the original
(logic) Of the state in Boolean logic that indicates an affirmative or positive result.
"A and B" is true if and only if "A" is true and "B" is true.
He’s turned out to be a true friend.
Genuine; legitimate, valid.
This is true Parmesan cheese.
The true king has returned!
Used in the designation of group of species, or sometimes a single species, to indicate that it belongs to the clade its common name (which may be more broadly scoped in common speech) is restricted to in technical speech, or to distinguish it from a similar species, the latter of which may be called false.
Accurate; following a path toward the target.
(of a mechanical part) Correctly aligned or calibrated, without deviation.
Is my bike wheel true? It feels unsteady.
Fair, unbiased, not loaded.
(of a literary genre) based on actual historical events.
(of shooting, throwing etc) Accurately.
This gun shoots true.
(uncountable) The state of being in alignment.
A pledge or truce.
To straighten (of something that is supposed to be straight).
He trued the spokes of the bicycle wheel.
To make even, level, symmetrical, or accurate, align; adjust.
We spent all night truing up the report.
Conformable to fact; in accordance with the actual state of things; correct; not false, erroneous, inaccurate, or the like; as, a true relation or narration; a true history; a declaration is true when it states the facts.
Right to precision; conformable to a rule or pattern; exact; accurate; as, a true copy; a true likeness of the original.
Making his eye, foot, and hand keep true time.
Steady in adhering to friends, to promises, to a prince, or the like; unwavering; faithful; loyal; not false, fickle, or perfidious; as, a true friend; a wife true to her husband; an officer true to his charge.
Thy so true,So faithful, love unequaled.
Dare to be true: nothing can need a lie.
Actual; not counterfeit, adulterated, or pretended; genuine; pure; real; as, true balsam; true love of country; a true Christian.
The true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
True ease in writing comes from art, not chance.
Genuine; real; not deviating from the essential characters of a class; as, a lizard is a true reptile; a whale is a true, but not a typical, mammal.
In accordance with truth; truly.
proper alignment; the property possessed by something that is in correct or proper alignment;
out of true
make level, square, balanced, or concentric;
true up the cylinder of an engine
consistent with fact or reality; not false;
the story is true
it is undesirable to believe a proposition when there is no ground whatever for supposing it true
the true meaning of the statement
not synthetic or spurious; of real or natural origin;
conforming to definitive criteria;
the horseshoe crab is not a true crab
Pythagoras was the first true mathematician
accurately placed or thrown;
his aim was true
he was dead on target
devoted (sometimes fanatically) to a cause or concept or truth;
true believers bonded together against all who disagreed with them
expressing or given to expressing the truth;
a true statement
gave truthful testimony
a truthful person
worthy of being depended on;
a dependable worker
an honest working stiff
a reliable source of information
he was true to his word
I would be true for there are those who trust me
not pretended; sincerely felt or expressed;
her interest in people was unfeigned
rightly so called;
a spirit which true men have always admired
a true friend
determined with reference to the earth's axis rather than the magnetic poles;
true north is geographic north
having a legally established claim;
the legitimate heir
the true and lawful king
in tune; accurate in pitch;
a true note
accurately fitted; level;
the window frame isn't quite true
reliable as a basis for action;
a true prophesy
true, she is the smartest in her class
Genuine or not counterfeit.
The diamond was found to be true.
True vs. Valid Frequently Asked Questions
Can an argument be valid but not true?
Yes, if its structure is correct but its premises are false.
How does valid differ from true in logical arguments?
Valid pertains to logical structure, while true concerns factual content.
If a statement is true, is it always valid?
Not necessarily, as validity pertains to argument structure.
What does it mean for something to be true?
It corresponds with reality or factual accuracy.
How can one determine if a statement is true?
By verifying it against evidence or factual data.
What is a sound argument?
An argument that is both true and valid.
Is there a difference between valid reasoning and sound reasoning?
Yes, sound reasoning is both valid and true.
Can something be untrue but still valid?
In logic, an argument can have false premises but a valid structure.
Can a claim be valid outside of logical arguments?
Yes, in contexts like legality or effectiveness.
What's the relevance of distinguishing between true and valid in debates?
It aids in evaluating the accuracy of content and the soundness of arguments.
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