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goodbye

n. countable
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˌɡʊdˈbaɪ// UK //ɡʊdbˈaɪ// good·bye General-service

n. the words you say or the actions you do when you leave someone. It is a way to end a conversation or a visit.

n. an expression of farewell used when parting from someone or at the end of a conversation. Often functions as a conventional social ritual to signal the conclusion of an interaction.


SIMPLE

She waved a final goodbye from the train window.

CONTEXTUAL

After a long dinner with friends, we said our goodbyes and promised to meet again soon.

COMPLEX

The protagonist's silent goodbye to his childhood home serves as a poignant transition into the novel's second act, marking his definitive departure from innocence.

Synonyms
Origin

From earlier goodby, Godby, Godby'e, Godbwye, God b'w'y, God bwy yee, God buy you, God be wi' you, each a progressively shorter contraction of God be with ye or God be with you. Note the change of God to good by confusion with good morning, good night, etc. Modernly analysed as good + bye.

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'say', 'wave', or 'bid'.

Idioms2 entries

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