Definition

1. Noun:
   • A farewell remark; a goodbye: "Adieu" is a formal or somewhat old-fashioned word used to express farewell, often implying a more permanent or final parting than a casual goodbye.

Usage

• "Adieu" is used as a noun to denote the act of saying goodbye or the words spoken upon parting. It is typically found in formal, literary, or dramatic contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • With a final adieu, he boarded the ship and sailed away.
  • She whispered a quiet adieu to her childhood home.

Advanced Usage

• "To bid adieu": To say goodbye, often in a formal or solemn manner.
  • The retiring professor bid adieu to his colleagues at the farewell dinner.
• "To make/take one's adieu": To take one's leave; to say goodbye.
  • After the ceremony, the guests made their adieus and departed.

Variants and Related Words

• Adieux (n): The plural form of "adieu," though "adieus" is also acceptable.
  • The room was filled with tearful adieux.

Synonyms

• Farewell: A more common synonym for goodbye.
• Goodbye: The standard term for a parting remark.
• Valediction: A formal statement or speech made when leaving.

Antonyms

• Greeting: A word or sign of welcome.
• Salutation: A gesture or utterance made as a greeting.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To say one's adieus": To say goodbye to everyone present.
  • It took her an hour to say her adieus to all the well-wishers.

Noun

1. a farewell remark
   • they said their good-byes