Definition

1. Noun:
   • A farewell remark; an expression said when parting: "goodby" is an alternative spelling of "goodbye," referring to the word or phrase spoken when someone leaves or a relationship ends.

Usage

• "Goodby" is used as a noun to denote the act of saying farewell or the words spoken at parting. It is considered a variant spelling of the more common "goodbye."

Examples

• Noun:
  • They said their goodby and left the party. (They uttered their farewell and departed from the party.)
  • It was a tearful goodby at the airport. (The farewell at the airport was emotional and involved tears.)

Advanced Usage

• "to say one's goodby": to bid farewell formally or finally.
  • He went to the hospital to say his goodby to his old friend. (He visited the hospital to offer his final farewell to his longtime friend.)

Variants and Related Words

• Goodbye (n): The standard and more frequent spelling for a farewell remark.
  • She waved goodbye from the window.
• Goodbyes (n, plural): The plural form.
  • The goodbyes were long and heartfelt.
• Farewell (n): A more formal synonym for goodbye.
  • They held a farewell dinner in her honor.

Synonyms

• Farewell: A formal expression of good wishes at parting.
• Adieu: A goodbye, often implying a more permanent departure (from French).
• Parting word: A word or phrase spoken when leaving.

Notes on Usage

• The spelling "goodby" is less common than "goodbye." In modern English, "goodbye" is the standard and preferred form in both written and spoken language. "Goodby" may occasionally appear in older texts or poetic usage.

Noun

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