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valedictorian. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
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English
Etymology
Formed 1759, from valediction (“speech made when leaving”).
Pronunciation
Noun
valedictorian (plural valedictorians)
- (US, Canada, properly) The individual in a graduating class who delivers the farewell or valedictory address, often the person who graduates with the highest grades.
- Coordinate term: salutatorian
2020 July 2, Arthur C. Brooks, “A College Degree Is No Guarantee of a Good Life”, in The Atlantic:Our oldest son was valedictorian of his high school class and went to a top university. But right about this time two years ago, our second son told us he wasn’t interested in college.
2021 June 11, Stephanie Saul, “Two Black Students Won School Honors. Then Came the Calls for a Recount.”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:At first, it seemed a joyous occasion. There was an audible gasp in the room, then boisterous cheering and applause when the announcement was made: Ikeria Washington and Layla Temple had been named 2021 valedictorian and salutatorian for West Point High School.
- (US, Canada, colloquial) The individual in a graduating class who graduates with the highest grades.
- Synonym: dux
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