Validate

v.capable, thoughtfulprofessional

Meaning 1

To confirm through evidence that something is sound, accurate, or fit for use.

Reach for it when describing a check that tests a method, result, or design

A second laboratory will validate the revised testing method.

everyday
test
when performing the examination matters more than its outcome
not when A test can disprove or leave uncertainty; validate implies successful support.
professional
confirm
when new evidence supports a result already suspected
not when Confirm can record agreement without the structured testing implied by validating a method.
professional
verify
when checking truth or accuracy against evidence is the task
not when Verification can check one fact, while validation may ask whether the whole method is fit for its purpose.
formal
substantiate
when evidence must support a claim under challenge
not when Substantiate concerns proof for a claim and is unnatural for validating a tool or process.

To recognize that a feeling or experience is real and understandable.

Reach for it when showing acceptance of another person's emotional experience without necessarily agreeing with every conclusion

The counselor could validate his frustration without endorsing the accusation.

everyday
acknowledge
when simply recognizing a feeling or experience is enough
not when Acknowledgment may be neutral and does not always communicate that the reaction makes sense.
warm
affirm
when supportive recognition strengthens a person's sense of worth
not when Affirm can imply approval, whereas validation need not approve behavior or beliefs.
warm
reassure
when reducing doubt or fear is the intended help
not when Reassurance can contradict or minimize a feeling instead of validating it.
professional
recognize
when naming the reality or importance of an experience matters
not when Recognition can remain intellectual and feel emotionally distant.

validate a method
The field trial will validate a method for testing water without electricity.
validate the findings
Independent records helped validate the findings from the interviews.
validate feelings
You can validate feelings while still questioning a harmful response.
validate an experience
The apology helped validate an experience that had long been dismissed.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.