How to pronounce valediction
Say it like val-uh-DIK-shun. Valediction has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DIK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce valediction. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- val
- uh
- DIK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Valediction pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- valGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- DIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of valediction
American and British speakers say valediction in essentially the same way: /ˌvæləˈdɪkʃən/ in the US and /ˌvæləˈdɪkʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: val-uh-DIK-shun.
What does valediction mean?
- A speech made when leaving or parting company.
- The act of parting company.
- A word or phrase said upon leaving, such as "farewell" or "adieu".
Where does valediction come from?
First attested in 1614; borrowed from New Latin valedictiō, from valedīcō (“to bid farewell”) + -tiō, from valē (“farewell, so long”) + dīcō (“to say”).
Words that rhyme with valediction
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of valediction.
Questions about saying valediction
How do you pronounce valediction?
Say val-uh-DIK-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌvæləˈdɪkʃən/. In British English it is /ˌvæləˈdɪkʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in valediction?
Valediction has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DIK). Broken into parts: val · uh · DIK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say valediction the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌvæləˈdɪkʃən/ and the British form is /ˌvæləˈdɪkʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.