Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The word "Validate" is an action verb derived from the Latin root word valere, which means "to be strong" or "to have worth/value". In English, it is used to describe the process of checking, corroborating, or officially certifying that something is legally, logically, or factually sound.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the context and usage of the options relative to the definition of "validate":
- Option (A) is the exact opposite of validate; the correct term for making something invalid is invalidate.
- Option (B) describes the action of criticizing or denouncing something, which relates to words like condemn or reproach.
- Option (C) perfectly defines validation. When you validate an experimental result, data entry, password, or legal document, you are corroborating, verifying, or confirming its accuracy and truth.
- Option (D) describes cosmetic improvement, which corresponds to words like embellish or adorn.
Therefore, option (C) is the only accurate match.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct meaning of the word "Validate" is to confirm or prove the truth of something.