How to pronounce valedictorian
Say it like val-uh-dik-TOR-ee-un. Valedictorian has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (TOR).
- val
- uh
- dik
- TOR
- ee
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Valedictorian 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.
- dikGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of valedictorian
- American English uses 6 syllables and British English 5.
British respelling: val-uh-dik-TOR-eern.
What does valedictorian mean?
- The individual in a graduating class who delivers the farewell or valedictory address, often the person who graduates with the highest grades.
- The individual in a graduating class who graduates with the highest grades.
Where does valedictorian come from?
Formed 1759, from valedictory (“of a speech made when leaving”) + -an.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- dux
- valedictory speaker
Words that rhyme with valedictorian
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of valedictorian.
Questions about saying valedictorian
How do you pronounce valedictorian?
Say val-uh-dik-TOR-ee-un. The American pronunciation is /ˌvæləˌdɪkˈtɔriən/. In British English it is /ˌvælədɪkˈtɔrɪən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in valedictorian?
Valedictorian has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (TOR). Broken into parts: val · uh · dik · TOR · ee · un.
Is valedictorian pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 6 syllables and British English 5. The British form is /ˌvælədɪkˈtɔrɪən/ (val-uh-dik-TOR-eern).