good night
Definition
- Noun:
- A conventional expression of farewell: A polite or customary phrase used to wish someone well when parting at night or before going to sleep.
Usage
- Function: This noun phrase is used as an interjection or a standalone farewell. It is typically said in the evening or at night when people are separating for the night or going to bed.
- Context: It is a fixed social formula. It is not typically modified and is used as a complete utterance.
Examples
- As a farewell:
- She kissed her children and said, "Good night."
- "Good night, everyone," the host said as the party ended.
- In written form:
- He ended his letter with "Good night and sweet dreams."
Advanced Usage
- Emphatic or extended forms: Sometimes used with additional words for emphasis or warmth, though "good night" itself remains the core fixed phrase.
- "Good night, sleep tight."
- "A very good night to you all."
Variants and Related Words
- Goodnight (adj., informal): Sometimes written as a single word, particularly when used attributively (e.g., ).
- Night-night (interj., informal): A childish or affectionate form of "good night."
- Farewell (n): A more formal synonym for a goodbye.
Synonyms
- Farewell: An act of parting or words used when parting.
- Goodbye: A conventional expression used at parting.
Related Phrases
- Say good night: The verbal action of using this farewell.
- Don't forget to say good night to your grandparents.
- Bid someone good night: A more formal way to describe the action.
- He bid his colleagues good night and left the office.
Noun
-
a conventional expression of farewell
