bid farewell

USAGE SUMMARY

'bid farewell' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when it is time to say goodbye, or when someone is leaving a location or a situation. For example, "We bade farewell to our friends with a group hug."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We bid farewell to the others.

The Guardian - Travel

and to bid farewell to his officers.

The New York Times

Bid farewell to the Beckham quiff.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

Consider the context when using "bid farewell"; it is more appropriate for written or formal spoken communication than casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "bid farewell" in casual conversations; simpler phrases like "say goodbye" or "see you later" are more appropriate for everyday interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bid farewell" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the act of saying goodbye or expressing parting wishes. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's used to describe situations where someone is leaving or something is ending.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bid farewell" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express the act of saying goodbye, as confirmed by Ludwig. It carries a slightly more formal tone and is prevalent in news, academic, and wiki contexts. While appropriate for formal written communication and sentimental situations, it may sound out of place in casual conversations. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, "bid farewell" is often used to mark significant departures or endings, adding a touch of ceremony or respect to the occasion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

say goodbye

This is a more common and straightforward way to express the act of leaving or parting.

take leave

This phrase implies a formal departure or leave-taking.

wish farewell

Highlights the act of expressing good wishes when someone leaves.

see off

Focuses on the act of accompanying someone to their point of departure.

make one's departure

This is a more formal and literary way of saying goodbye.

part company

Emphasizes the separation or divergence of paths.

take one's leave

Another formal way to indicate departure.

say adieu

Uses a French term for goodbye, adding a touch of elegance.

send off

Focuses on the act of organizing or participating in a farewell event.

take parting

Implies a final interaction or separation.

FAQs

What does "bid farewell" mean?

"Bid farewell" means to say goodbye or to express good wishes when someone is leaving. It is a slightly more formal or literary way to say goodbye.

When is it appropriate to use "bid farewell"?

It's appropriate to use "bid farewell" in formal writing, speeches, or when you want to add a touch of elegance or sentimentality to your farewell. In casual conversations, simpler phrases like "say goodbye" are more common.

What are some alternatives to "bid farewell"?

Some alternatives include "say goodbye", "see off", "take leave", or simply "goodbye", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "bid farewell" considered formal?

Yes, "bid farewell" is generally considered more formal than simply saying "goodbye". It adds a touch of ceremony or respect to the act of saying goodbye, and it is best suited for more formal or written contexts.