valediction

/ˈvæləˌdɪkʃən/

Other forms: valedictions

A valediction is a speech that wishes a group of people farewell. It's most commonly given at graduations.

The word diction in valediction is a clue that this word has to do with speaking, since it comes from the Latin root dicere, "to say." When combined with valere, "be well," the result is valedicere, "bid farewell." Just about any type of school that has a graduation ceremony will have a valediction, which typically congratulates students on their accomplishments and inspires them to look ahead.

Definitions of valediction

1. noun

   a farewell oration (especially one delivered during graduation exercises by an outstanding member of a graduating class)
   synonyms: valedictory, valedictory address, valedictory oration

   type of:

   oratory

   addressing an audience formally (usually a long and rhetorical address and often pompous)
2. noun

   the act of saying farewell
   type of:

   farewell, leave, leave-taking, parting

   the act of departing politely