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What is the difference between adieu and goodbye?

adieu | goodbye | Synonyms |

Goodbye is a synonym of adieu.



As interjections the difference between adieu and goodbye

is that adieu is said to wish a final farewell; goodbye while goodbye is farewell; a formula used to another person or persons when the speaker, writer, or person addressed is departing.

As nouns the difference between adieu and goodbye

is that adieu is a farewell, a goodbye; especially a fond farewell, or a lasting or permanent farewell while goodbye is an utterance of goodbye, the wishing of farewell to someone.

adieu

English

Usage notes

Although the above pronunciations are usually used in American and RP English, neither is the standard pronunciation in French.

Interjection

(en interjection)
  • Said to wish a final farewell; goodbye.
  • * 1599 ,
    • BEATRICE. What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true?
    Stand I condemn'd for pride and scorn so much?
    Contempt, farewell! and maiden pride, adieu !
    No glory lives behind the back of such.

    Synonyms

    * addio, adios, aloha, arrivederci, auf Wiedersehen, au revoir, bye, bye-bye, cheerio, cheers, ciao, farewell, good-by, good-bye, goodbye, good day, sayonara, shalom, so long

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • A farewell, a goodbye; especially a fond farewell, or a lasting or permanent farewell.
    • We bid our final adieus to our family, then boarded the ship, bound for America.

    Usage notes

    Particularly used in phrase bid adieu.

    Derived terms

    * bid adieu

    goodbye

    English

    Alternative forms

    * good-by * good-bye * good bye

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • ; a formula used to another person or persons when the speaker, writer, or person addressed is departing.

    • Synonyms

    * (informal) catch you later, bye, bye-bye, ciao, see you, so long, ta ta, toodeloo, TTFN, ttyl * (formal) adieu, adios, farewell, sayonara * (slang) hasta la vista, , later, laters, keep it real, peace out. take it easy, toodles, peace, cya * cheerio, cheery-bye, toodle pip (dated) * good morn, good morning (during the morning ) * good afternoon, good midday (during midday ) * good day (during day ) * good eve, good evening (during the evening ) * good night (during night ) * See also

    Derived terms

    * kiss goodbye * say goodbye

    Related terms

    * good riddance

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An utterance of goodbye, the wishing of farewell to someone.
    • John gave Rebecca a goodbye to wish her luck on her holiday.