How to pronounce valedictory
Say it like val-uh-DIK-tuh-ree. Valedictory has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DIK).
- val
- uh
- DIK
- tuh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Valedictory 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.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of valedictory
American and British speakers say valedictory in essentially the same way: /ˌvæləˈdɪktəri/ in the US and /ˌvælɪˈdɪktəri/ in the UK.
British respelling: val-ih-DIK-tuh-ree.
What does valedictory mean?
- Of or pertaining to a valediction (“an act of parting company; a speech made when parting company”); designed for or suitable to an occasion of bidding farewell or parting company.“a valedictory oration”
- Of or pertaining to a valedictorian (“the individual in a graduating class who delivers the farewell address, often the person who graduates with the highest grades”).
- An address given on an occasion of bidding farewell or parting company.
- A speech given by a valedictorian at a commencement or graduation ceremony.
Where does valedictory come from?
From Latin valedictum + English -ory (suffix forming nouns meaning ‘that which pertains to’, or adjectives meaning ‘of or pertaining to’).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- apopemptic
- valediction
- valedictory address
- valedictory oration
Words that rhyme with valedictory
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of valedictory.
Questions about saying valedictory
How do you pronounce valedictory?
Say val-uh-DIK-tuh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˌvæləˈdɪktəri/. In British English it is /ˌvælɪˈdɪktəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in valedictory?
Valedictory has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DIK). Broken into parts: val · uh · DIK · tuh · ree.
Do Americans and Brits say valedictory the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌvæləˈdɪktəri/ and the British form is /ˌvælɪˈdɪktəri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.