Definition

1. 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

1. the student with the best grades who usually delivers the valedictory address at commencement