Today's Word

Valedictory

val-uh-DIK-tuh-ree

Definition

(adjective/noun) Expressing farewell; a speech or statement made as a goodbye.

Example

Her valedictory remarks brought the entire auditorium to tears.

Fun Fact

Valedictory is most familiar during graduation season, but its use spans politics, literature, and public life. A valedictory address isn’t just a farewell—it often reflects on the past and sets a tone for the future. Famous political valedictories include presidential exit speeches, but even retiring CEOs deliver them. Its Latin roots—vale dicere, meaning “to say farewell”—give it a sense of ceremony and finality.

Similar Words

Obloquy

Today's Word

Obloquy

OB-luh-kwee

Definition

(noun) Strong public criticism or verbal abuse.

Example

The whistleblower endured weeks of obloquy from former allies.

Fun Fact

Derived from Latin ob (against) and loqui (to speak), obloquy is more than just criticism—it’s reputation-damaging, widespread condemnation. Historically used in political and religious contexts, it now shows up in media scandals and cancel culture debates. What sets obloquy apart from “criticism” is its publicness and intensity—it’s the backlash you feel everywhere.

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