ceremonial address; formal speech at a ceremony
A prepared speech delivered at formal ceremonies such as school entrance/graduation ceremonies, weddings, or company events.
卒業式で校長が式辞を述べた。
The principal gave a ceremonial address at the graduation ceremony.
The principal delivered a ceremonial address at the entrance ceremony.
彼は結婚式の式辞を頼まれた。
He was asked to give a speech at the wedding ceremony.
The president read out the formal address.
We were honored with a ceremonial address from the guest of honor.
祝辞 is a congratulatory speech given to celebrate an occasion, whereas 式辞 is the broader formal ceremonial address that need not be purely congratulatory.
訓辞 is an admonitory or instructive speech (often from a superior), while 式辞 is the standard formal address delivered at a ceremony.
式辞 is the opening formal address given by the host or presiding figure, while 答辞 is the reply speech given afterward, typically by a representative of the attendees (e.g. a graduating student).
Compound of 式 (ceremony) and 辞 (words/speech).