valediction
1
9.6
- noun
- /ˌvælɪˈdɪkʃən/
- Formal
:
despedida
- Although his successor, Richard Thornburgh, rescinded the order in 1989, Meese's action was a valediction in keeping with the spirit of the times.
Examples
-
Yet what was most haunting to me, rereading it, especially in the light of this valediction, was that Daniel Martin was, in tiny detail after tiny detail, the very book I'd just finished writing.
Academic text (2004) -
The professor's valediction at the end of the semester left the students feeling inspired and grateful.
-
Sullivan nodded at it in valediction and set off again along the lane.
Blog text (5) -
If Ravelstein turned out to be his last novel, it would be an extraordinary valediction.
Academic text (2000) -
Her family were Synorhines; she had learned the right forms for valediction and commemoration from early childhood.
Fiction book (2000) -
It reminds us of "El Aleph" and rings with a tone of valediction: a career remembered in the midst of an unfolding fiction.
Academic text (1996) -
During the graduation ceremony, the principal delivered a heartfelt valediction that brought tears to many eyes.
-
As she concluded her speech, she included a touching valediction that resonated deeply with everyone in the audience.
Synonyms
∞
1.8
A formal talk given to an audience to inform or persuade
∞
1.0
Words people say when they leave each other
212
5.3
A formal speech given to a group of people
24
9.3
A final goodbye you say when leaving for a long time
6
7.6
A formal speech given at a special event
1
8.8
A farewell speech often given by the top student at graduation
1
3.5
The last talk a person gives before leaving a job or event
1
8.1
A formal speech by a top student that says goodbye at a graduation ceremony
1
9.9
A speech given to a graduating class before their graduation ceremony
1
4.6
A short spoken or written message saying goodbye and good wishes
A formal goodbye speech given by a top student at a graduation ceremony
How Formal
- Formal
1
8.1
- Formal
1
9.6
199
1.9
∞
1.0
- Informal
306
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
valediction = valedictory (opaque) = vale + dict + ion
The word 'valediction' is derived from 'valedictory', but the meaning is not transparent to most learners without understanding the Latin roots.
Etymology
Valediction comes from Latin parts vale ('farewell') and dict ('say'), the same dict you see in dictionary or dictate. So a valediction is a 'saying of goodbye', which explains why it means a formal or ceremonial farewell speech.