adieu
/əˈdjuː/interjection★Intermediate
formal
a formal or poetic way to say goodbye, often implying a final departure
With a final adieu, the actor left the stage.
With a final goodbye, the actor left the stage.
💡
Often used in literature or formal contexts.
Collocations
bid adieuto say goodbye formally
Synonyms
Antonyms
💡Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Use 'adieu' in formal or literary settings, not casual conversation.
📖Word Origin
From French 'à Dieu' meaning 'to God' (literally 'to God'), originally a religious farewell.
📝Usage Notes
More formal than 'goodbye' and often used in literature or poetic contexts.
Word Breakdown
à
to
prepositionDieu
God
nounEnglish Dictionary