Definition

Noun: - The student with the highest academic standing in a graduating class, who is chosen to deliver the farewell speech at a commencement ceremony. This person is traditionally the top-ranking student and their speech, the valedictory address, bids farewell to classmates, faculty, and guests.

Usage

• The term is used specifically in the context of academic graduation ceremonies, primarily in the United States, Canada, and some other countries.
• It refers to the person, not the speech itself. The speech is called a "valedictory address" or "valedictory."

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The role is often seen as a significant honor reflecting academic excellence, but selection can also involve leadership, service, or an audition process for the speech.
• The phrase "to give the valedictory" is sometimes used informally to mean "to be the valedictory speaker."
  • She will give the valedictory at this year's graduation.

Variants and Related Words

• Valedictory (noun): The farewell speech itself.
  • Her valedictory moved the entire audience.
• Valedictorian (noun): The student who holds the highest academic rank in a class. This person is typically, but not always, the valedictory speaker.
  • He graduated as valedictorian and also served as the valedictory speaker.
• Salutatorian (noun): The student who ranks second highest in the class, who may deliver an opening speech (the salutatory address) at commencement.

Synonyms

• Valedictorian (when referring to the top academic student who gives the speech).
• Graduation speaker (a more general term that could include other speakers who are not the top student).

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning combines the role of the top academic achiever with the specific duty of delivering the farewell oration. While "valedictorian" strictly denotes academic rank, "valedictory speaker" denotes the function performed at the ceremony. In many cases, they are the same person.

Noun

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