valedictorian
/,vælidik'tɔ:riən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The top-ranking student in a graduating class: A "valedictorian" is the student who has achieved the highest academic standing (typically the highest grade point average) in their graduating class from a high school, college, or university.
- The student who delivers the farewell speech: Traditionally, this top-ranking student is given the honor of delivering the "valedictory address," a farewell speech, at the graduation ceremony (commencement).
Usage
- The title "valedictorian" is an academic honor awarded based on grades.
- It is used as a countable noun to refer to the specific person who holds this title.
- The role of the valedictorian is often associated with delivering a speech that reflects on the shared experiences of the graduating class and looks toward the future.
Examples
- Noun:
- Maria was named valedictorian of her high school class.
- The valedictorian's speech was both humorous and inspiring.
- He graduated as valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Advanced Usage
- "To be named/selected as valedictorian": This phrasing is commonly used to describe receiving the honor.
- She was named valedictorian after four years of dedicated study.
- "Valedictorian status": Refers to the position or rank of being the valedictorian.
- He earned valedictorian status through consistent hard work.
Variants and Related Words
- Valedictory (adj/noun): Pertaining to a farewell. As a noun, it is the formal term for the farewell speech itself.
- The valedictory address marked the end of their academic journey.
- Salutatorian (noun): The student who ranks second highest in the graduating class, who may deliver an opening speech (the salutatory address) at the ceremony.
Synonyms
- Top graduate: A more general term for the student with the highest rank.
- First in class: A descriptive phrase for the highest academic position.
Related Phrases
- To deliver the valedictory: To give the farewell speech.
- It is a great honor to deliver the valedictory.
- Valedictorian address/speech: The specific speech given by the valedictorian.
- Her valedictorian speech thanked the teachers and families.
Noun
- the student with the best grades who usually delivers the valedictory address at commencement