salutatorian

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableAmerican

   The graduating student with the second-best grades in a class, who often gives the opening speech at the ceremony.

   Grammar: Always refers to one person in each class: the salutatorian.

   Patterns

   • salutatorian of something
   • be named salutatorian

   Maria finished second in her class and was named salutatorian.

   The salutatorian welcomed the families at the start of the ceremony.

   He missed being valedictorian by one tenth of a point and became salutatorian.

2. 2nouncountableAmerican

   Any student chosen to give the welcoming address at a graduation ceremony.

   Grammar: A looser use: some schools pick this speaker by vote rather than rank.

   Patterns

   • the salutatorian's address

   The school chose the salutatorian by a vote of the senior class.

   The salutatorian thanked the teachers in her opening remarks.

   At our college the salutatorian speaks before the main guest.

Word forms

Common combinations

class salutatorian

She was the class salutatorian at her high school.

named salutatorian

He was named salutatorian after the final exams.

salutatorian speech

The salutatorian speech was funny and brief.

valedictorian and salutatorian

The valedictorian and salutatorian both received scholarships.

Synonyms and how they differ

runner-up

Runner-up is a general word for second place in any contest, while salutatorian is specific to academic rank at graduation.

second in the class

Second in the class is a plain description, but salutatorian also names the speaking role.

Opposites

Word family

salutation noun

a greeting

salute verb

to greet, or to show respect

salutatory adjective

relating to a greeting or opening address

valedictorian noun

the student with the top grades in a class

Commonly confused: salutatorian or valedictorian?

Practice

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