A12K

Goodbye

UK /["/ˌɡʊdˈbaɪ/"]/US /["/ˌɡʊdˈbaɪ/"]/

Definition

used when you are leaving somebody or when somebody else is leaving

In simple words: A way to say that you are leaving someone.

Examples

  • Goodbye! It was great to meet you.
  • She didn't even **say goodbye** to her mother.
  • Say goodbye to Mary for me.
  • We **waved** them **goodbye**.
  • We've already said our goodbyes.
  • **Kiss** me **goodbye**!
  • Take out our service contract and say goodbye to costly repair bills.
  • Well, you can kiss goodbye to your chances of promotion.

Usage notes

Use 'goodbye' in both casual and formal situations. It’s appropriate when leaving friends or in professional settings. It can feel too formal with very close friends or family where 'bye' or 'see you' might be preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone greeting

Memory hint

Goodbye sounds like 'good by', imagine saying something good before you leave.

Collocations

  • say goodbye
  • bid goodbye
  • goodbye kiss
  • goodbye message
  • goodbye party

Synonyms

  • farewell
  • bye
  • see you
  • adieu
  • ciao

Antonyms

  • hello
  • greeting

Common mistakes

  • Using 'goodbye' in overly casual contexts with close friends.
  • Mixing up with 'goodbye' and 'bye' in different contexts.
  • Confusing 'goodbye' with 'farewell' which is more formal.