vale

American  

[veyl] / veɪl /

noun

1. a valley.

2. the world, or mortal or earthly life.

   this vale of tears.

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vale ¹ British  

/ veɪl /

noun

1. a literary word for valley

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vale ² British  

/ ˈvɑːleɪ /

1. farewell; goodbye

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Etymology

Origin of vale

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French val, from Latin vallem, accusative of vallis, vallēs “valley”

Explanation

A vale is a long depression in the land, usually between two hills and containing a river. A vale is a valley. If you've ever gone to a place where there are mountains, you've seen plenty of mountain ranges, mountaintops, and valleys. Valleys are the low points between hills, and they are also known as vales. A vale often contains a river, because it's the lowest point and therefore somewhere water can settle and flow. If you climb a mountain, you'll see many vales, which are often long and winding. The hills and vales of an area are usually gorgeous and breathtaking.

Example Sentences

“The NRF forces are present in all strategic positions across the vale to continue the fight,” the group said in a statement on Twitter.

From Washington Times • Sep. 6, 2021

Comparto este hermoso vídeo que nos muestra al Comandante Fidel Castro y a Maradona, en un momento muy bonito y jocoso para los dos, que nos dice que vale la pena vivir.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2020

“Life,” he said, “is a vale of disaster.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2019

It’s the technocratic version of a promise of eternal bliss after we depart this vale of tears.

From The Guardian • May 26, 2019

There stood the king, dark against a narrow window, looking out upon the vale.

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien