goodbye

/ɡʊdˈbaɪ/
interjectionBeginner💡 a polite way to say farewell
informal

an expression used to say farewell to someone

We said goodbye to our friends at the airport.

We said farewell to our friends at the airport.

He gave a final goodbye before closing the door.

He gave a final farewell before closing the door.

💡

Often used in informal contexts to indicate parting.

Collocations

say goodbyeto express farewellfinal goodbyea last farewell

Antonyms

Related Phrases

see you laterphrase
a casual way to say goodbye
farewellphrase
a more formal or emotional goodbye

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'goodbye' in formal or polite contexts, while 'bye' is more casual.

Gold Rule

Pronunciation

The stress is on the second syllable: /ɡʊdˈbaɪ/.

📖Word Origin

From the phrase 'God be with ye,' a contraction of 'God be with you,' first recorded in the 16th century.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in both spoken and written English to indicate parting. Can be shortened to 'bye' in informal contexts.

Word Breakdown

good
well or favorable
root
+
bye
a shortened form of 'goodbye'
root
English Dictionary