Farewell: Definition, Usage & Common Phrases

Meaning 1：goodbye (farewell)

farewell 🔊

/ˌfeərˈwel/

The act of saying goodbye to someone who is leaving, often with good wishes for their journey.

goodbye 🔊

➕

/ɡʊdˈbaɪ/

It denotes the action of saying goodbye to someone, especially when they are departing, often expressing good wishes for their journey.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'faran' (go) and 'well' (good), literally 'go well'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'Fare' for journey, 'well' for good – a goodbye wish.

📖 Example

At the airport, she gave her brother a long, warm farewell hug before his flight to London. 🔊 At the airport, she gave her brother a long, warm farewell hug before his flight to London.

🔗 Collocations

bid farewell – to say goodbye formally

farewell party – a party held to say goodbye to someone

farewell speech – a speech given when leaving a place or position

🔄 Synonyms

goodbye (n.) – a common expression used when parting

parting (n.) – the action of leaving or saying goodbye

valediction (n.) – a formal farewell statement

🚫 Antonyms

greeting (n.) – a word or gesture of welcome when meeting someone

welcome (n.) – a friendly reception upon arrival

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old English phrase 'fare well', used as a parting wish. In modern culture, it's common in formal goodbyes, like retirement parties or long journeys.