You have probably said "Farewell" to someone as they left for somewhere else. Maybe, they were heading to their home a few blocks away. Maybe, they were about to board a plane or boat for a more distant journey.
The modern "farewell" originates in Middle English farewel, an expression, possibly further derived from Old English far wel. The verb fare means to travel or journey. Wishing someone "Fare well!" was a kind of blessing to travel safely and well.
Today's "farewell" can often just mean "goodbye" but in its earliest usage (first evidence of the word dates back to 1325–75) it was used to wish someone the best on a significant journey ahead.
Fare thee well, sailor!
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| Fare Thee Well was a series of concerts with most of the surviving members of the Grateful Dead to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the band. |
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