farewell

Meanings

1. 1interjectionformalliterary

   A word said when leaving someone, wishing them well; more formal or literary than 'goodbye.'

   Grammar: Used alone or with a name, e.g. 'Farewell, my friend.' It is not used before a noun.

   Patterns

   • farewell to someone
   • say farewell

   Farewell, and good luck with your new life abroad!

   She waved farewell to her colleagues as she left the office for the last time.

2. 2nouncountableformalliterary

   An act of saying goodbye or a party or event to mark someone's departure.

   Grammar: Countable: use 'a farewell' or 'farewells', e.g. 'a farewell party.'

   Patterns

   • a farewell to someone
   • a farewell party
   • bid farewell to someone

   The team held a farewell for their manager, who was moving to another city.

   His farewell speech at the graduation ceremony moved everyone.

Word forms

Common combinations

farewell party

We are throwing a farewell party for Sarah on Friday.

bid farewell

The president bade farewell to the visiting diplomats.

farewell speech

In his farewell speech, he thanked all his supporters.

farewell tour

The band announced a farewell tour before they retired.

Synonyms and how they differ

goodbye

The everyday word; farewell is more formal and often used for important or long partings.

adieu

Very literary and old-fashioned; farewell is more common and less dramatic.

Opposites

Word family

farewell noun

The noun form, meaning a goodbye or a departure event.

Commonly confused: farewell or fair well?

Practice

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