Bid farewell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Bid farewell" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the act of saying goodbye, often in a formal or poetic context. Example: "As the ceremony concluded, the guests stood to bid farewell to the departing couple."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bid farewell to the Beckham quiff.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We bid farewell to the others.

The Guardian - Travel

and to bid farewell to his officers.

The New York Times

We must bid farewell to autocracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Members of the Class of 1948 bid farewell.

Harvard University

We bid farewell to "The Scion" of our family.

The New York Times

"We've come to bid farewell to our father.

The Guardian

"That makes it much harder to bid farewell".

Independent

Thus Rovers had to bid farewell to O'Neill.

The Guardian - Sport

And I shall now bid farewell for the evening.

The Guardian - Sport

For Radio Daze, though, it's time to bid farewell.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bid farewell" when you want to express a formal or somewhat emotional departure. It's particularly suitable in literary, ceremonial, or commemorative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "bid farewell" in everyday, casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "say goodbye" or "see you later" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bid farewell" functions as a verb phrase, primarily used to express the act of saying goodbye. Ludwig's examples highlight its usage in formal contexts and in news and media, particularly when marking a significant departure or ending.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

27%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bid farewell" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for saying goodbye, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is best suited for formal contexts, often used in news, media, and academic settings to mark significant departures or endings. While "say goodbye" is a more common and informal alternative, "bid farewell" conveys a sense of respect and finality. When writing, be mindful of the tone and context to ensure it aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Say goodbye

This is a more common and less formal way to express the same sentiment.

Take leave

This suggests a formal departure or ending of an engagement.

Wish farewell

This highlights the act of expressing good wishes at the time of departure.

Offer a parting

This suggests the act of separating or saying goodbye.

Extend a valediction

This is a highly formal and somewhat archaic way of saying goodbye.

See off

This means to accompany someone to their point of departure and say goodbye.

Take your leave

This emphasizes the act of departing or leaving a place or person.

Part ways

This indicates the separation of individuals who were previously together.

Make an exit

This is a more casual and sometimes theatrical way of describing departure.

Say adieu

This is a French term for goodbye, often used in formal or literary contexts.

FAQs

What does "bid farewell" mean?

"Bid farewell" means to say goodbye, often in a formal or ceremonial way. It suggests a more significant departure than a simple goodbye.

When is it appropriate to use "bid farewell"?

It's appropriate to use "bid farewell" in formal settings, such as at a graduation ceremony, a retirement party, or in written correspondence where a sense of respect and finality is desired. For casual settings, consider using alternatives like "say goodbye" or "see you later".

What are some synonyms for "bid farewell"?

Synonyms for "bid farewell" include "say goodbye", "take leave", "wish farewell", and "part ways". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "bidding farewell"?

Yes, "bidding farewell" is the present participle form of "bid farewell" and is grammatically correct. For example, "We are bidding farewell to our colleague today".