What does adieux mean?
'Adieux' is the plural form of 'adieu,' a noun denoting farewells or parting salutations. Borrowed from French, where it literally means 'to God' — originally a contraction of the phrase entrusting a departing person to God's protection — the word entered English centuries ago and retains an air of formality and elegance. It is most often used in writing and ceremonial contexts: a character making her adieux at the end of a party, a diplomat offering adieux before departure, or a letter closing with fond adieux. Because it suggests a possibly prolonged or permanent parting, it carries more emotional weight than an everyday 'goodbye.' The plural is less common in casual speech than the singular 'adieu,' but it remains a graceful choice when several partings are being described.
nounThe plural of 'adieu': farewells or parting expressions of goodbye, typically formal or heartfelt in nature.
- Farewells or expressions of goodbye, especially formal or ceremonious ones.
"She exchanged her final adieux with the departing guests at the door."
"After the retirement dinner, he made his adieux and slipped quietly out."
"The ambassador offered warm adieux to her colleagues before boarding the plane."
'Adieux' is itself the standard plural of 'adieu'.
"The retiring professor exchanged adieux with each of her students."
When you say 'adieu,' you're literally saying 'to God' — the phrase comes from the Old French 'a Dieu (vous) commant,' entrusting someone to God's care until you meet again.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of adieux
'Adieu' comes from Old French, formed from 'a' ('to') plus 'Dieu' ('God'), shortening the farewell formula 'à Dieu vous commant' — 'I commend you to God.' English adopted the word from French during the medieval period, and it has remained in use as a formal parting expression ever since. The ultimate root is Latin 'Deus' ('God'), which also gives English such cognates as 'deity' and 'deify.' The plural 'adieux' simply follows standard English pluralization of the borrowed noun.
Related word forms
How adieux is actually used
Slightly formal and literary in register; 'adieux' carries a note of ceremony or finality that plain 'goodbyes' lacks. In speech, the singular 'adieu' is more commonly heard than the plural.
Easily confused with adieux
'Ado' means fuss or trouble (as in 'much ado about nothing'), while 'adieux' are farewells; the two words sound similar but share no meaning.