Definition

A student who has the highest grades in their class and gives a speech at graduation.

Example

She was named the valedictorian of her class and delivered a heartfelt speech at the ceremony.

Conversation

Did you hear that Sarah is the new valedictorian?

Yeah, I heard! That’s such an amazing achievement for her.

I knew she would do it; she’s always at the top of our class.

Absolutely! I can't wait to hear her speech at graduation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Valedictorian → It is formed from "vale" (from Latin *vale*, meaning farewell) and "dictorian" (from Latin *dicere*, meaning to say or speak). The word refers to the person who delivers a farewell speech, typically at a graduation ceremony.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'saying farewell' ('vale' means farewell and 'dicere' means to say') — that's why a valedictorian is the one who gives a farewell speech.

Visually Confused Words