valedictorian
val-uh-dik-TOR-ee-un
/ˌvæl.ə.dɪkˈtɔːr.i.ən/
The student with the highest academic rank in a graduating class who delivers the farewell address at commencement.
Combines top academic ranking with the official duty of delivering the farewell speech.
The story behind the word. Rooted in Latin vale ('farewell', literally 'be well') and dicere ('to speak'). A valedictor was literally 'one who speaks farewell,' establishing the academic custom of having the highest-ranked graduate bid goodbye to the school.
Word relationships
- top student: Top student describes general high marks, whereas valedictorian includes the ceremonial duty of delivering the farewell speech.
- underachiever: An underachiever performs below expectations, unlike a valedictorian who ranks top.
Commonly confused with
- salutatorian: The salutatorian ranks second and delivers the opening welcome speech, whereas the valedictorian ranks first and delivers the farewell.
Word family
- valediction (noun): An act of saying farewell or a farewell speech.
- valedictory (adjective): Serving as a farewell.
Collocations
- class valedictorian
- valedictorian address
- named valedictorian
Example sentences
- "The valedictorian inspired her classmates with a speech about perseverance and courage." Graduation speech
- "After four years of flawless grades, he was named valedictorian of the senior class." Academic distinction
Memory hook
VALE = farewell, DICT = speak. The valedictorian speaks farewell! Farewell speaker.
When not to use
Do not use for speakers who are invited guests or students who are not ranked first academically.
Fun facts
- In ancient Rome, 'vale' was the standard closing for personal letters and farewells.
Related words
Explore more words
valedictory, commencement, farewell, eulogy, eulogize, matriculate
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