Bye
/baɪ/noun
A casual expression used to indicate farewell.
Did you know?The word 'bye' evolved from the phrase 'God be with ye,' which held a spiritual significance in parting, invoking protection and blessings.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
bēon
“to be, exist”
Middle English
ME
beye
“to be, to remain, to stay”
16th Century
English
bye
“a shortened form of 'goodbye' or 'God be with ye', offering a blessing when parting”
19th Century
English
bye
“a common informal farewell, stripped of its original spiritual context”