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Glite Dictionary
🎓 An undergraduate degree 🎤 A graduation speech
baccalaureate

baccalaureate

1 9.9
A speech given to a graduating class before their graduation ceremony
  • noun
  • /ˌbækəˈlɔːriət/
  • Formal
translation icon : discurso de despedida
  • Last night, I read a blurb about Harvard President Drew Faust's remarks at the 2012 Baccalaureate Service, and her comments intrigued me enough that I went back and read them in their entirety.
  • Baccalaureate Program

Examples

  • Yesterday, Drew Faust gave her baccalaureate address.

  • The speaker at my baccalaureate was perhaps one of the most prominent lawyers of the day.

  • During the graduation ceremony, the principal gave an inspiring baccalaureate address that moved many students to tears.

  • At our school's baccalaureate, we reflected on our experiences and looked forward to the future.

  • The pastor delivered a heartfelt baccalaureate sermon that encouraged graduates to pursue their dreams.

Synonyms

valedictory
vsbaccalaureate
  • Formal
1 8.8

A farewell speech often given by the top student at graduation

is meant for the whole class and may be delivered by a guest
valediction
vsbaccalaureate
  • Formal
1 9.6

A formal speech or words that say goodbye, often at a ceremony

is specifically a commencement address directed to the graduating class
valedictory address
vsbaccalaureate
  • Formal
1 8.1

A formal speech by a top student that says goodbye at a graduation ceremony

is delivered to the whole graduating class not only by one student
valedictory oration
vsbaccalaureate
  • Formal
9.0

A formal goodbye speech given by a top student at a graduation ceremony

is addressed to the entire class and can be given by others

How Formal

sermon
137 2.8
baccalaureate
  • Formal
1 9.9
address
  • Formal
212 5.3
speech
  • Formal
∞ 1.8
talk
718 1.8

Surface Forms

baccalaureate singular
baccalaureates plural

Etymology

Baccalaureate also named the ceremony where graduates were given laurel wreaths, coming from bacca ('berry') and laurea ('laurel') and the same root as bachelor. That's why a baccalaureate can mean the farewell sermon or address given to a graduating class.