What does "godspeed" mean?
The wishing of someone a smooth journey, or success, especially at a parting; (countable) a statement expressing this.
Godspeed
/ˌɡɒdˈspiːd/ intj, noun
intj, noun ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The wishing of someone a smooth journey, or success, especially at a parting; (countable) a statement expressing this.
- Grammar: godspeed is listed as intj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: adieu, benediction, best wishes, blessing.
- Useful contrasts: bad luck, curse, ill fortune.
- Usage evidence: 3 [Citizen]. Neighbours, God ſpeed. / 1 [Citizen]. Giue you good morrovv ſir.
How to use "godspeed"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "godspeed" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "godspeed" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "godspeed" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "godspeed" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "godspeed" is acting as intj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adieu" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "godspeed", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The wishing of someone a smooth journey, or success, especially at a parting; (countable) a statement expressing this. literary, uncountable
"Yff there come eny vnto you and brynge not this learnynge⸝ hym receave not to houſſe: nether bid hym god ſpede. For he that biddeth hym God ſpede⸝ is part taker off his evyll dedes."
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of Godspeed. alt-of, countable, uncountable
"Mr. C[harles] C[rozat] Converse's new pronoun [thon] of the singular number and common gender has met with a warm welcome from philologists and the press. […] The new word has received a number of godspeeds, some of which we quote."
- 3 a successful journey wordnet
- 4 Chiefly in in the Godspeed of: the most important part of something, or point at which something happens; also, the last minute or last moment. archaic, countable, figuratively, literary, uncountable
"But a Devil came in juſt in the God-ſpeed, and told them; Gentlemen Philoſophers, (ſays he) if you vvould knovv the VVretched'ſt, and moſt contemptible thing in the VVorld; It is an Alchymiſt: […]"
- 5 In back of Godspeed: a distant, remote, or unknown place. countable, figuratively, literary, uncountable
"If I don't leave you at the back of God-speed before long, I'll give you the mare and the horse too."
Intj
- 1 Used, especially at a parting, to express the wish that the outcome of a person's actions be positive for them; typically said to someone who is about to start a journey or a daring endeavour. literary
"3 [Citizen]. Neighbours, God ſpeed. / 1 [Citizen]. Giue you good morrovv ſir."
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of Godspeed. alt-of
"At the threshold of death, how dare I give you permission to go to England, to cross the seas? But I will not stand in your way. It is your mother's permission which really matters. If she permit you, then godspeed! Tell her I will not interfere. You will go with my blessings."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"3 [Citizen]. Neighbours, God ſpeed. / 1 [Citizen]. Giue you good morrovv ſir."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "godspeed"?
Common synonyms include: adieu, benediction, best wishes, blessing, bon voyage, divine blessing.
How do you use "godspeed" in a sentence?
3 [Citizen]. Neighbours, God ſpeed. / 1 [Citizen]. Giue you good morrovv ſir.
How do you pronounce "godspeed"?
Pronounced /ˌɡɒdˈspiːd/.
Etymology
Univerbation of God speed, elliptical for God speed you, where speed carries the archaic sense “help, further, cause to prosper”. Compare God bless, God damn.