- The standard, neutral, and most common way to say goodbye.
Explanation
Origin
- A shortening of Goodbye, which itself is a contraction of the phrase God be with ye (meaning God be with you), dating back to the 16th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
- See the comprehensive list under expressions 0079-0090 and the general 'Alternatives for Farewells' section below 0090.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in almost all situations, from informal to semi-formal.
- In very formal situations (e.g., ending a meeting with a high-status individual), Goodbye might be slightly preferred.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Extremely low risk. It's one of the most basic words.
Examples
- Okay, I need to go now. Bye!
- Bye, see you tomorrow!
- It was nice talking to you. Bye!
Dialogue
Alex: Alright, I'm heading out.
Ben: Okay, Bye! Have a good evening.
Alex: You too! Bye.
Social Media Examples
- Ending a direct message: Okay, gotta run. Bye!
- Signing off a casual video call: Alright everyone, thanks for joining. Bye!
Response Patterns
- The most common response is a reciprocal Bye!
- Other common responses include: Bye, take care!, Bye, see you later!, You too, bye!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Usually none, as it marks the end of the conversation.
- Might be accompanied by a wave or a nod.
Conversation Starter
- No. It ends a conversation.
Intonation
- Typically said with a falling intonation at the end, signaling closure. Bye.
- Can be said more quickly and lightly in passing, or with more warmth depending on the relationship.
Generation Differences
- Universal. Used by all age groups.
Regional Variations
- Universal in all English-speaking regions.