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

"Though I walk through death's dark vale, yet will I fear none ill."

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2022

“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

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

From The Guardian • May 26, 2019

Perhaps the show’s most moving photograph records her husband, Larry, turning away as he strides across a grassy field above a shallow vale.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2019

She was gathering flowers with her companions in the vale of Enna, in a meadow of soft grass and roses and crocus and lovely violets and iris and hyacinths.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton