Definition

Noun: - A graduating student with the second-highest academic rank: A "salutatory speaker" is the student who ranks second in their graduating class. This honor traditionally grants them the role of delivering the salutatory address, a formal speech of greeting or welcome, at commencement ceremonies.

Usage

• The term is used in the context of academic graduations, particularly in high schools, colleges, and universities, to denote a specific honorific role.
• It refers to both the academic achievement (second-highest rank) and the ceremonial duty (delivering a speech).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The role is part of a traditional academic hierarchy, with the top-ranking student being the valedictorian (who typically delivers the farewell or closing address).
• In some modern institutions, the roles of valedictorian and salutatorian may be combined or assigned differently, but the core meaning of "salutatory speaker" remains tied to high academic standing and a speaking role at graduation.

Variants and Related Words

• Salutatorian (n): A direct synonym for "salutatory speaker," more commonly used to denote the student's rank. (e.g., )
• Salutatory (adj/n): Pertaining to or of the nature of a salutation. As a noun, it can refer to the speech itself. (e.g., )
• Valedictorian (n): The graduating student with the highest academic rank.

Synonyms

• Salutatorian

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning combines two key elements: high academic achievement (second in class) and a ceremonial function (giving a welcome speech). The term is almost exclusively used in an educational commencement context.

Noun

1. a graduating student with the second highest academic rank; may deliver the opening address at graduation exercises