valedictorian — A student who delivers the farewell speech at a graduation ceremony, typically the one with the highest academic rank in the graduating class
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A student who delivers the farewell speech at a graduation ceremony, typically the one with the highest academic rank in the graduating class
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌvæləˈdɪktəriən/
Example Sentences
- The valedictorian's speech was so inspiring that even the janitor started taking night classes.
- Being valedictorian means you get to speak last, which is perfect if you're always late to everything else.
- The university valedictorian went on to become a successful entrepreneur.
valedictorian
NOUN[/ˌvæləˈdɪktəriən/]
A student who delivers the farewell speech at a graduation ceremony, typically the one with the highest academic rank in the graduating class
Top student giving graduation farewell speech
The valedictorian speaks while the historian and librarian watch with pride
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin valedictory, which comes from valedicere (to say farewell). The term emerged from the academic tradition of having a distinguished student deliver a farewell address on behalf of their graduating class at commencement ceremonies.
Breakdown
vale- (farewell, from Latin valere meaning to be strong/well) + -dicere (to say, speak) + -ian (person, agent suffix). Literally 'one who speaks farewell'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The valedictorian's speech was so inspiring that even the janitor started taking night classes.”
“Being valedictorian means you get to speak last, which is perfect if you're always late to everything else.”
“The university valedictorian went on to become a successful entrepreneur.”
“She studied 16 hours a day to become valedictorian, and now she studies Netflix 16 hours a day.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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