farewell
Farewell (intj) means Goodbye — said when parting, especially for a long time or for good. Example: “Farewell," she said, hugging him one last time before boarding the ship.”
How to use farewell
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal or heartfelt way of saying goodbye, often for a long time or forever.
More formal and weightier than a casual "bye" — often used for permanent departures, retirements, or farewells to the deceased.
Word forms
farewelled past tense, farewells plural, farewells singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"_____," she said, hugging him one last time before boarding the ship.
Etymology
From the Middle English blessing "fare wel!" — literally "travel well!" — said to someone setting off on a journey.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for farewell
See all rhymes for farewell →Frequently asked questions
What does “farewell” mean?
The word “farewell” means goodbye — said when parting, especially for a long time or for good. In plain terms, a formal or heartfelt way of saying goodbye, often for a long time or forever.
How do you pronounce “farewell”?
“Farewell” is pronounced feh-uh-WEHL (/fɛɹˈwɛl/ in IPA).
How do you use “farewell” in a sentence?
Here is “farewell” used in a sentence: “"Farewell," she said, hugging him one last time before boarding the ship.”
What part of speech is “farewell”?
Depending on how it is used, “farewell” can be an intj and a noun.
Where does the word “farewell” come from?
The word “farewell” comes from Middle English. From the Middle English blessing "fare wel!" — literally "travel well!" — said to someone setting off on a journey.
Is “farewell” a common word?
“Farewell” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “farewell” have?
“Farewell” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: goodbye — said when parting, especially for a long time or for good.
What is the difference between "farewell" and "goodbye"?
Both are said when parting, but "farewell" is more formal, literary, and emotional, often used for long or permanent separations. "Goodbye" is the everyday, neutral term suitable for any parting, even a brief one.
When should you use "farewell" instead of "goodbye"?
Use "farewell" for significant or final departures, or to create a solemn, ceremonial tone, as in a farewell speech or a farewell to a retiring colleague. For ordinary, day-to-day partings, "goodbye" is the natural choice.
What is the difference between "farewell" and "bon voyage"?
"Farewell" is a general goodbye said at any parting, while "bon voyage," borrowed from French, specifically wishes a traveler a good journey. You would say "bon voyage" to someone setting off on a trip, but "farewell" in a wider range of situations.
What words commonly go with "farewell"?
"Farewell" frequently appears in phrases such as "farewell party," "farewell speech," "bid farewell," "fond farewell," and "farewell tour." As a noun it names the act or occasion of saying goodbye.