Definition of Goodbye
Quick Meaning of Goodbye
A polite word you say when leaving someone or ending a conversation.
Detailed Definition of Goodbye
An expression used when parting from someone; farewell.
How to Pronounce Goodbye
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: good-BYE. The first syllable uses the short /ʊ/ sound from 'good'.
Watch out: Some learners stress the first syllable (GOOD-bye) instead of the second; the correct stress is good-BYE.
Origin and Etymology of Goodbye
Contraction of 'God be with you' (good + bye from 'be with you'); first recorded 1573.
How to Use Goodbye in a Sentence
Each example shows “goodbye” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“She waved and said goodbye before leaving.”
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“After the phone call, he said goodbye and hung up.”
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“The teacher said goodbye to all her students at the end of the school year.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Goodbye
Common Synonyms for Goodbye
Smart Synonyms for Goodbye — When to Use Each
- farewell
- more formal and literary, often used in writing
- bye
- casual and shortened, common in everyday speech and
Antonyms of Goodbye
Common Collocations with Goodbye
These phrases pair with “goodbye” in everyday English:
- say goodbye
- wave goodbye
- until goodbye
- last goodbye
- final goodbye
Common Mistakes When Using Goodbye
Even fluent speakers slip up with “goodbye”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I waved him and said him goodbye.
- ✓ Correct: I waved to him and said goodbye (or I said goodbye to him).
- Why: The verb 'say' takes an indirect object with 'to'; use 'say goodbye to someone'.
- ✗ Wrong: Goodbye, see you tomorrow, he said.
- ✓ Correct: "Goodbye, see you tomorrow," he said.
- Why: When quoting someone, use quotation marks around the spoken words, including the interjection.
Words Confused With Goodbye
- Goodbye vs Hello: Hello is a greeting (start); goodbye is a farewell (end) Compare →
Other Forms of Goodbye
- Noun: goodbye
Frequently Asked Questions About Goodbye
What is the meaning of "Goodbye"?
A polite word you say when leaving someone or ending a conversation.
How do you pronounce "Goodbye"?
The IPA is /ɡʊdˈbaɪ/. Stress the second syllable: good-BYE. The first syllable uses the short /ʊ/ sound from 'good'.
What part of speech is "Goodbye"?
"Goodbye" is an interjection at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Goodbye"?
Common synonyms include farewell, bye, adieu.
How do you use "Goodbye" in a sentence?
For example: "She waved and said goodbye before leaving."