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Adios: meaning, definitions and examples

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adios

 

[ æˈdiːoʊs ]

Interjection
Context #1 | Interjection

farewell expression

Adios is a Spanish term used to express farewell. It is commonly used to say goodbye to someone in a casual or informal manner. The word literally translates to 'to God' in English, implying a wish for divine protection.

Synonyms

bye, farewell, goodbye

Examples of usage

  • Adios, my friend!
  • I said adios before leaving the party.
  • Don't forget to say adios to your family!
  • He waved and shouted adios as he drove away.

Word origin

The word 'adios' is derived from the Spanish phrase 'a Dios', which literally means 'to God'. It combines the preposition 'a', meaning 'to', with 'Dios', which means 'God'. This phrase has its origins in the Catholic tradition where farewells would reference God's protection. The use of 'adios' as a farewell expression became common in Spanish-speaking cultures, and it reflects deep cultural ties to spirituality and community. Over time, 'adios' has transcended its religious connotations and is widely used in many contexts, both formal and informal, to bid farewell. As Spanish-speaking populations have interacted with non-Spanish speakers, the term has found its way into English vernacular, especially in areas with significant Hispanic influence.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,093, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.