farewell
fair-WEL
/ˌfɛərˈwɛl/
An expression of good wishes at parting, or an act of departure.
Carries emotional weight and formality, often implying a long-term or permanent departure.
The story behind the word. Formed in Middle English as a imperative phrase meaning 'may you fare well'—wishing a traveler safe passage and good speed on their journey. Over time, the phrase fused into a single compound noun and greeting.
Word relationships
- goodbye: Goodbye is general and informal, whereas farewell is ceremonial and enduring.
- valediction: Valediction is highly formal and academic.
- welcome: Welcome greets someone arriving rather than departing.
Commonly confused with
- welfare: Welfare refers to health and prosperity, whereas farewell is a parting wish.
Word family
- farewells (noun): Plural form referring to multiple parting gatherings or words.
Collocations
- bid farewell
- farewell speech
- farewell party
- fond farewell
Idioms & expressions
- bid a fond farewell
Example sentences
- "She gave an emotional farewell speech to the colleagues she had worked beside for three decades." Retirement party
- "Farewell, a long farewell, to all my greatness!" Literature (William Shakespeare, Henry VIII)
Memory hook
Fare + well = Travel well into your next chapter. Wishing someone to fare well on their journey.
When not to use
Do not use for casual daily departures like leaving the office for lunch.
Fun facts
- The counterpart 'fare thee well' was popular in Elizabethan theater and folk songs.
Explore more words
valedictory, benediction, departure, mourn, remembrance, banish
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