valedictory address

USAGE SUMMARY

"valedictory address" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a speech given at a graduation ceremony or farewell event. For example, "The principal delivered a heartfelt valedictory address to the graduating class." Alternative expressions include "farewell speech" and "graduation speech."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Ms. Hu sounded upbeat in her valedictory address.

The New York Times

Life doesn't end here, wrote Escobar in what turned out to be his valedictory address to the people of Colombia.

The Guardian - Sport

Coming of Age, was something of a valedictory address, not only by its dramatis personae but by Terkel himself.

The Guardian

"Policing is never done; it's always unfinished business," Mr. Bratton said, speaking last in a kind of valedictory address.

The New York Times

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as "the student usually having the highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the valedictory address at the commencement exercises".

The New York Times

"In these last months I have felt that my strength had diminished," he told 150,000 people in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday in his valedictory address.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Departing ambassadors give valedictory addresses, most of which are stunningly dull.

The Guardian

I'm rarely moved by the rhetorical style of Ivy League valedictory addresses, so when people say "the president made a great speech," it's just an unnecessary reminder that actions speak louder than words.

Vice

At times, Obama's penultimate State of the Union address sounded like a valedictory speech aimed at defending his record rather than proposing legislation that the White House knows it has little chance of passing through the Republican-controlled Congress.

The Guardian

Mr Papandreou even delivered an emotional valedictory television address to the nation (although he did not name Mr Petsalnikos as his successor).

The Economist

Mr. Papandreou's televised address served as a kind of valedictory speech, summing up moves in recent years to stabilize and help the country, expressing the country's continued commitment to the European bailout plan and urging political parties to transcend their differences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a "valedictory address", focus on summarizing key achievements and offering forward-looking advice or reflections relevant to the audience's future endeavors.

Common error

Avoid making a "valedictory address" excessively sentimental or self-centered. Balance personal reflections with broader messages that resonate with the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valedictory address" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of speech. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's often found in news and media when describing speeches given at significant events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "valedictory address" refers to a speech, especially one given at a graduation ceremony. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in the context of news and media, encyclopedias, and science. While a "valedictory address" often occurs in academic settings, you can replace it with "farewell speech" or "final address" in other contexts. A good practice is to summarize achievements and offer forward-looking advice, while avoiding excessive sentimentality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

farewell speech

Focuses on the act of saying goodbye rather than the specific academic context.

graduation speech

Specifies the context as a graduation ceremony, which is a common but not exclusive setting for a valedictory address.

final address

A more general term indicating the last speech given by someone in a particular role or situation.

swan song

Metaphorical expression for a final performance or statement.

parting words

Emphasizes the message conveyed at the time of departure.

testament

Highlights the significance of the final words as a reflection of someone's beliefs or experiences.

closing remarks

Focuses on the act of concluding a formal event or presentation.

leave-taking speech

Highlights the act of departing from a place or position.

final statement

Highlights a definitive declaration or message before an ending.

concluding speech

Highlights a speech intended to end a series of events or speeches.

FAQs

What is a "valedictory address"?

A "valedictory address" is a speech traditionally given by a top-ranking student at a graduation ceremony, offering reflections and farewells.

What's the difference between a "valedictory address" and a "farewell speech"?

While both involve saying goodbye, a "valedictory address" typically refers to an academic graduation speech, while a "farewell speech" can be given in various contexts.

How to start a "valedictory address"?

Begin by acknowledging the audience and occasion, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak, and setting a tone that is both reflective and forward-looking.

What are some alternatives to "valedictory address"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "farewell speech", "graduation speech", or "final address".