Definition
A valedictorian is a student who has achieved the highest academic standing in their graduating class. They are typically chosen based on their grades, achievements, and contributions to the school community, and are given the honor of delivering a farewell speech at the graduation ceremony.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Top student, highest achiever, outstanding student, star student, academic champion
Antonyms
Underachiever, mediocre student
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | valedictorian, valedictorians |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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Samantha was named valedictorian of her graduating class, and her speech received a standing ovation from the audience.
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As valedictorian, John was responsible for representing the entire graduating class at the ceremony.
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The competition for valedictorian was fierce, with many students striving to achieve the highest grades and academic honors.
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The valedictorian’s speech was a heartfelt reflection on the experiences of the graduating class, and the challenges and triumphs they had faced together.
Usage
The term “valedictorian” is commonly used in high schools and colleges to recognize the academic achievements of students who have excelled in their studies. The title is typically given to the student who has achieved the highest grade point average (GPA) or academic standing in their graduating class. In addition to academic performance, other factors such as leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities may also be considered when choosing a valedictorian.
The word “valedictorian” is derived from the Latin phrase “vale dicere”, which means “to say farewell”. In many schools, the valedictorian is given the honor of delivering a speech at the graduation ceremony, in which they reflect on their experiences as students and offer words of encouragement to their classmates. This speech is often seen as a symbolic passing of the torch from the graduating class to the incoming students, and is a moment of celebration and reflection for all involved.
The term “valedictorian” may also be used in other contexts outside of academic achievement. For example, it may be used to describe a person who is the best or most accomplished in a particular field or endeavor, such as a valedictorian of the arts or sciences. In this sense, the term carries a connotation of excellence and achievement, and is often used as a way to recognize and honor outstanding individuals.
There are also variations of the word “valedictorian” that incorporate prefixes, suffixes, or other modifiers to modify its meaning. For example, the prefix “co-” can be added to create the word “covaledictorian”, which refers to two or more students who share the title of valedictorian in a graduating class. Similarly, the suffix “-ship” can be added to create the word “valedictorianship”, which refers to the position or status of being a valedictorian. These variations provide a way to modify the meaning of the word and apply it in new and creative ways.
In conclusion, the term “valedictorian” is commonly used to recognize the academic achievements of top-performing students in high school and college. It carries a connotation of excellence, achievement, and leadership, and is often associated with the honor of delivering a farewell speech at the graduation ceremony. Its variations provide a way to modify its meaning and apply it in new and creative contexts, further highlighting its importance as a symbol of academic excellence and achievement.