Vigente

Vigente is an adjective in Spanish and Portuguese that denotes something that is presently in effect, in force, or valid. It is commonly applied to laws, regulations, contracts, licenses, and other official instruments to indicate that they are active and applicable at the current time. When a rule or document is no longer in force, it is described as no longer vigente.

Etymology and usage context: the term derives from Latin roots related to vitality or readiness, and it spread through Romance languages with the meaning of being active or in effect. In both Spanish and Portuguese, vigente is frequently paired with nouns to specify the scope of validity, such as ley vigente (current law) or normativa vigente (existing regulations).

In Spanish, ejemplos include la ley vigente, el contrato vigente o la normativa vigente. The noun vigencia refers to the period during which something remains in force or valid, as in “la vigencia de la licencia es de dos años.” In everyday language, vigente contrasts with phrases like “anulada” (nullified) or “inaplicable” (inapplicable) to indicate status.

In Portuguese, vigente serves a similar function: lei vigente, norma vigente, and contrato vigente. The related noun vigência describes the span of validity or effectiveness, for example, “a vigência da autorização.” The terms are widespread in legal, administrative, and contractual contexts.

See also: in force, current law, validity, vigência.