Pronunciation: [vˈe͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The word "vale" has two separate meanings and is spelled identically in both instances. When used as a noun, "vale" refers to a valley, typically one that is narrow and wooded. When used as an exclamation, "vale" is an old-fashioned way of saying farewell. Both meanings are pronounced with the same vowel sound: /eɪ/. The spelling of the word is straightforward, with the "a" and "e" combining to create the long vowel sound.
Vale is a noun that refers to a valley or a low-lying area of land between hills or mountains. It is typically characterized by its elongated shape, with sloping sides and often containing a river or a stream at its base. Vales can vary in size from small and narrow to large and expansive, and they are commonly found in rural or natural landscapes.
The term "vale" is derived from the Middle English word "val," which in turn comes from the Old French word "vallee," meaning "valley." The etymology of the word also traces back to the Latin word "vallēs," which has the same meaning.
In literature and poetry, vales are often depicted as serene and picturesque landscapes, filled with lush greenery, vibrant flora, and possibly inhabited by wildlife. They evoke a sense of tranquility and beauty, serving as a peaceful retreat from the bustling world. Vales have been the subject of romanticized depictions in various pieces of literature and have inspired countless artists and writers throughout history.
Additionally, the term "vale" is occasionally used metaphorically to represent a state of sorrow, mourning, or parting. It is employed in phrases like "farewell, sweet vale" or "parting is such sweet sorrow," emphasizing the emotional weight associated with bidding farewell or experiencing loss. This figurative usage is more common in older or poetic contexts.
• In which case the root is L. vale, farewell.
• A poetic word for valley, which see.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "vale" comes from Late Latin "vallēs", which means "valley". It was borrowed from Latin by Old English as "fæl" and later transformed into "vale". The Latin word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*wel", which means "to turn", "to twist", or "to curve". The concept of a valley being a curved or twisted form between hills or mountains likely influenced the choice of this root for the word "vale".
