Adieu

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Adieu" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a farewell, often implying a more permanent goodbye than "goodbye." Example: "As she boarded the plane, she turned to her friends and said, 'Adieu, until we meet again.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 9.34pm AEST12 34 Treasurer Wayne Swan bids the frontbench adieu Swan is addressing reporters.

The Guardian

A hopeful outcome A crucial choice A populist bids adieu, for now On top, as usual Is Silvio Berlusconi a liberal?

The Economist

Their tiny economies are already awash with American goods: They would love to claw back some sort of special status, offering privileged access for their exports—and protection at home.In this section The smaller neighbours Public health or church morality Au revoir, Mobutu Sese Seko or is it adieu?

The Economist

Today, oilfield service companies offer all the necessary technology and are increasingly willing to take on some of the same risks as an oil company, notes Marcel Brinkman of McKinsey.Still, it would be wildly premature to bid Exxon adieu.

The Economist

A sad adieu to Dominique Strauss-Kahn Georgia's not-so-great north road The price of power ReprintsNo longer.

The Economist

In the event, American stockmarkets did open lower, though not by as much as overseas markets had feared.In this section Another scandal, another scare Spreading risk Holey cow! Novelty knocks Big and bumbling Bidding adieu?

The Economist

That hurts.In this section Under pressure Armed with a strong yen Andrea's adieu Boeing bullied Big and clever ReprintsAreva is the world's only one-stop nuclear shop, selling everything from uranium to fuel recycling.

The Economist

No, his message was just the opposite: "Give generously and I might be able to pay my troops not to rob you".In this section The smaller neighbours Public health or church morality Au revoir, Mobutu Sese Seko or is it adieu?

The Economist

In a competitive market, inventions are quickly imitated, so a small inventor's investment often fails to pay off.In this section Under pressure Armed with a strong yen Andrea's adieu Boeing bullied Big and clever ReprintsThese days the second Schumpeter is out of fashion: people assume that little start-ups are creative and big firms are slow and bureaucratic.

The Economist

The deal, for an estimated ¥3 billion $40mm), brings the Japanese design and licensing firm 86 playful characters who have delighted toddlers in 30 countries and shifted 100m books.In this section Under pressure Armed with a strong yen Andrea's adieu Boeing bullied Big and clever ReprintsCorporate Japan is on an overseas shopping spree.

The Economist

As Federico Reyes Heroles, a pollster, notes, ordinary people in Mexico know who stands behind the PRI: asked who holds most power there, many respond "the president", but still more "the United States .In this section Teflon Winnie Anything you can do Awkward guest The mirage that won't go away The smaller neighbours Public health or church morality Au revoir, Mobutu Sese Seko or is it adieu?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Adieu" when you want to convey a sense of finality or a more formal farewell than a simple 'goodbye'.

Common error

Avoid using "Adieu" in everyday, informal situations. Its formal tone can sound out of place in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Adieu" is as an interjection, used to express farewell. It can also function as a noun, referring to the act of saying goodbye. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as a farewell.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Adieu" is a French term adopted into English, functioning primarily as an interjection or noun to express a goodbye. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. However, it carries a more formal and sometimes final tone compared to standard farewells such as "goodbye" or "farewell". Its usage is most prevalent in news and media contexts, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples. While grammatically sound, "Adieu" should be employed judiciously in modern English, particularly in casual settings, to avoid sounding overly dramatic or stilted. Alternatives like "farewell", "goodbye", or "au revoir" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Farewell

A formal and literary term for saying goodbye.

Goodbye

The most common and general way to say farewell.

Au revoir

French for goodbye, implying a hope to see the person again.

Adios

Spanish for goodbye.

So long

An informal way of saying goodbye.

Sayonara

Japanese for goodbye, suggesting a more permanent separation.

Addio

Italian for goodbye, often used for final farewells.

Auf Wiedersehen

German for goodbye, offering an international flair.

Aloha

Hawaiian for goodbye, often used in a casual context.

Cheerio

British English for goodbye.

FAQs

What does "Adieu" mean?

"Adieu" is a French word that means goodbye. It often implies a more permanent or final farewell.

When should I use "Adieu" instead of goodbye?

Use "Adieu" when you want to convey a sense of finality or formality. For casual situations, "goodbye" or "farewell" are more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "Adieu"?

Alternatives include "farewell", "goodbye", "so long", or "au revoir" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "Adieu" commonly used in modern English?

While "Adieu" is understood, it is less common than "goodbye" or "farewell". It's often used in literature or formal settings to add a touch of drama or finality.