What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
farewell
Example
We bid him farewell as he boarded the plane. [farewell: noun]
Example
She gave a heartfelt farewell speech to her colleagues on her last day of work. [farewell: adjective]
goodbye
Example
I hugged my friend and said goodbye before leaving the party. [goodbye: noun]
Example
He waved goodbye to his neighbor as he left for work. [goodbye: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Goodbye is more commonly used than farewell in everyday language. Goodbye is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while farewell is less common and refers to a more formal or ceremonial goodbye.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between farewell and goodbye?
Farewell is typically associated with a formal and respectful tone, while goodbye is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
