Goodbye vs. Goodby — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 25, 2024
The correct spelling is "goodbye," while "goodby" is incorrect. "Goodbye" is a parting phrase used to express farewell.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Goodbye or Goodby
How to spell Goodbye?
Goodbye
Correct Spelling
Goodby
Incorrect Spelling
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Key Differences
Recall that "goodby" is missing the 'e' at the end, which completes the word.
Note that "goodbye" ends with "bye," as in "saying bye."
Remember "goodbye" combines the words "good" and "bye."
Associate "goodbye" with other farewell words ending in 'e' like "leave" or "farewell."
Think of "goodbye" as a complete expression of well-wishing, hence the extra 'e.'
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How Do You Spell Goodby Correctly?
Incorrect: It's time to say goodby.
Correct: It's time to say goodbye.
Incorrect: Goodby to all my friends.
Correct: Goodbye to all my friends.
Incorrect: He waved goodby as the train departed.
Correct: He waved goodbye as the train departed.
Incorrect: She said goodby before leaving.
Correct: She said goodbye before leaving.
Incorrect: I'll see you tomorrow, goodby!
Correct: I'll see you tomorrow, goodbye!
Goodbye Definitions
End of Communication: Goodbye can signify the conclusion of a conversation or meeting.
He said goodbye at the end of the phone call.
Farewell Expression: Goodbye is a word used to express farewell when parting.
She waved goodbye to her family at the airport.
Departure: Goodbye often marks the act of leaving a place or group.
The students said goodbye after the last class.
Wishing Well: Goodbye implies good wishes to someone who is leaving.
They shouted a cheerful goodbye to their departing friend.
Used to express an acknowledgment of parting.
An acknowledgment at parting, especially by saying "goodbye."
An act of parting or leave-taking
Many sad goodbyes.
; a formula used to another person or persons when the speaker, writer, or person addressed is departing.
An utterance of goodbye, the wishing of farewell to someone.
They made their good-byes.
We have time for a short goodbye.
To say goodbye; to wish somebody farewell on parting.
A farewell remark;
They said their good-byes
Closing: In a broader sense, Goodbye can signify the end of an era or period.
The retirement party was a final goodbye to her career.
Goodbye Meaning in a Sentence
Saying goodbye to my grandparents after the summer break was hard.
She whispered goodbye to her sleeping baby.
Goodbye, see you tomorrow!
Before he left for college, we had a special dinner to say goodbye.
I always get emotional when it's time to say goodbye.
He left a note that simply said, "Goodbye."
The children shouted goodbye to their parents as the school bus drove away.
Goodbye, I'll call you when I arrive.
The hardest part of moving away is having to say goodbye to friends.
I'll never forget the way he said goodbye before leaving on his journey.
She texted me a quick goodbye before her phone died.
Writing goodbye letters to my classmates at the end of the year felt very meaningful.
The song ended with the words, "Goodbye, until we meet again."
After the concert, the band said goodbye to the fans with a final bow.
Saying goodbye at the end of the camp was bittersweet.
Before leaving, he gave a heartfelt goodbye to everyone in the room.
Saying goodbye to your pet when you go on vacation is always hard.
During the farewell party, everyone said goodbye in their own special way.
Goodbye Idioms & Phrases
Wave goodbye
To physically gesture a farewell.
She waved goodbye to her family from the ship's deck as it departed.
Bid someone goodbye
To say goodbye to someone.
The whole family gathered at the airport to bid him goodbye.
Final goodbye
The last time one says goodbye to someone.
The funeral was a chance to say a final goodbye to their beloved grandmother.
Goodbye to all that
A phrase indicating leaving behind or rejecting past conventions or attitudes.
Moving to the countryside was his way of saying goodbye to all that city stress.
Goodbye for now
A phrase indicating that one expects to see the person again soon.
Goodbye for now, he said, implying they would meet again.
A long goodbye
A farewell that takes a long time, often because it is difficult.
Their farewell was a long goodbye, filled with tears and promises to keep in touch.
Common Curiosities
What is the root word of goodbye?
The root of "goodbye" comes from the Old English phrase "God be with ye."
Why is it called goodbye?
"Goodbye" originated from the phrase "God be with ye," which was gradually shortened and altered in pronunciation.
Which vowel is used before goodbye?
The vowel 'o' is used before "goodbye" in the word "good."
What is the verb form of goodbye?
"Goodbye" does not have a verb form as it is an interjection or noun.
Which conjunction is used with goodbye?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used with "goodbye" in complex sentences.
What is the singular form of goodbye?
The singular form is "goodbye."
Which article is used with goodbye?
The definite article "the" or indefinite "a" can be used, as in "a goodbye."
Is goodbye an adverb?
No, "goodbye" is not an adverb.
What is the pronunciation of goodbye?
"Goodbye" is pronounced as /ɡʊdˈbaɪ/ in American English.
Is goodbye a countable noun?
Yes, "goodbye" is a countable noun (e.g., many goodbyes).
Is goodbye a collective noun?
No, "goodbye" is not a collective noun.
Is goodbye a noun or adjective?
"Goodbye" is primarily a noun but can also be used as an interjection.
What is the plural form of goodbye?
The plural form can be "goodbyes."
Which preposition is used with goodbye?
Prepositions like "to" and "with" can be used, as in "say goodbye to" or "part with a goodbye."
Is goodbye a vowel or consonant?
"Goodbye" is a word composed of both vowels and consonants.
Is the word goodbye imperative?
"Goodbye" can be used in imperative forms, especially in direct speech.
Is the word goodbye Gerund?
No, "goodbye" is not a gerund.
Which determiner is used with goodbye?
Determiners like "a," "the," or "this" can be used with "goodbye."
Is goodbye an abstract noun?
Yes, "goodbye" can be considered an abstract noun.
Is the goodbye term a metaphor?
"Goodbye" can be used metaphorically to represent endings or farewells in broader contexts.
How many syllables are in goodbye?
"Goodbye" has two syllables.
What part of speech is goodbye?
"Goodbye" is a noun and an interjection.
What is another term for goodbye?
Another term for "goodbye" is "farewell."
What is the opposite of goodbye?
The opposite of "goodbye" could be "hello" or "greetings."
Is goodbye a negative or positive word?
"Goodbye" is neutral but can have positive or negative connotations depending on the context.
Is the word “goodbye” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Goodbye" can function as a direct object in a sentence.
What is a stressed syllable in goodbye?
The second syllable "bye" is stressed in "goodbye."
How do we divide goodbye into syllables?
"Goodbye" is divided as "good-bye."
How is goodbye used in a sentence?
"He whispered a soft goodbye before leaving the room."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
