'Goodbye' is a contraction of 'God be with ye'.

Etymology

Language

Why it matters

The idea in context

The farewell began as a blessing: “God be with ye.” Ordinary speech compressed it over centuries until the prayer became a casual goodbye, with the old wish still hidden inside the sound.

Türkçe

Aynı kart, başka bir dilde.

'Goodbye', 'God be with ye' ifadesinin kısalmış hâlidir.

Bu vedalaşma aslında bir duaydı: “Tanrı seninle olsun.” Gündelik konuşma yüzyıllar içinde ifadeyi kısalttı; dua sıradan bir vedaya dönüştü, ama eski iyi dilek hâlâ sesin içinde saklıdır.

Source trail

Read beyond the card.

Commonly cited etymology.

Background reading: GoodbyeAttribution and context are revised when stronger evidence appears. Corrections are welcome through the editorial page.
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