WordGarden.iogoodbye
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡʊdbˈaɪ/
US
- /ˌɡʊdˈbaɪ/
Meanings
Interjection
used to say farewell when leaving or ending a conversation
Noun
an expression or act of saying farewell
Beyond the definition
"Goodbye" is what we say when we leave or when someone else leaves. It marks the end of a meeting, a visit, a call, or a conversation. In many cases, it is polite, warm, and simple. It often suggests, even quietly, that the relationship continues after this moment ends.
Sometimes it is quick and casual, like "Bye!" at the door. Sometimes it is heavy and emotional, like when people separate for a long time or for the last time. You can use it in formal situations, such as ending a business call, and in everyday life, such as leaving a friend's house. People also say it in a deeper sense when speaking about death or loss.
"Goodbye" is the word we use when one person leaves another person, whether in person, on the phone, in a letter, or even in a more symbolic way. At its most basic level, it signals departure. Still, it often carries more feeling than a simple closing because it marks the end of a shared moment.
Its history helps explain that feeling. The word developed from the older phrase "God be with ye," which was both a parting phrase and a blessing. Over time, that expression changed in form and pronunciation until it became the modern "goodbye." Because of that history, the word can still feel like more than a neutral signal that a conversation is over.
The way people use it depends a lot on context. A quick "Bye!" as you rush out the door feels light and ordinary. A slow, tearful "Goodbye" at a funeral, at an airport, or before a long move can carry sadness, love, or uncertainty. The same word works in formal and informal situations, though in very casual speech people often choose shorter forms such as "bye" or "see you."
"Goodbye" does not always suggest a permanent ending. Very often, people say it when they fully expect to meet again soon. In that sense, it simply closes the present interaction. At other times, though, it can sound final and deeply emotional. That range is what makes the word so useful: it can fit a small everyday parting or a major life moment, while always pointing to the fact that something is ending, at least for now.
Examples
- 1
Airport farewell
We said goodbye at the airport and promised to text when we landed.
- 2
Missed farewell
I didn't get a chance to say goodbye before she left.
- 3
Waving
The children waved goodbye as the bus pulled away.
- 4
Brief farewell
There was barely time for a proper goodbye before the meeting started.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Final parting
After the funeral, friends stayed behind to say their goodbyes.
- Phrasesay your goodbyes
speak to someone for the last time before leaving or before a final parting
- 6
Ending a practice
With online tickets, many stations have said goodbye to paper passes.
- Patternsay goodbye to + thing
stop using it or stop having it
- 7
Informal warning
Miss the deadline again, and you can kiss that refund goodbye.
- Phrasekiss X goodbye
accept that you will lose it
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- goodbyenoun
Forms
- goodbyespluralnoun