adieu
/əˈdjuː/
a formal farewell
She waved and said adieu as she left the party.
She waved and said goodbye as she left the party.
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.
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