Why do people say it?
2007-07-20 16:12:14 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Godspeed = "may God prosper you, grant you success", short for "God speed you".
This expression is used especially when someone is leaving on a journey for a specific purpose. That is, it is not just a general wish for a safe journey, or generic 'good luck', but a wish/prayer that they will have success in what they are setting out to do. Thus, though used mainly when someone is literally setting out, it can also simply be used to wish someone well in a VENTURE they are embarking on, even if it does not involve a physical journey
The verb "speed" here has nothing to do with 'quickness', but is used in the archaic sense of the word - "succeed, attain one's goal, desire"
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=speed
You don't hear the expression all that much nowadays, and if you do it may be regarded as quaint. But you often do hear an expression that was originally its equivalent -- "FAREWELL" (which came from "Fare thee well!") "Fare" here means "journey" (as still seen in "wayfarer", "seafaring" and "fare" as "payment for passage"), that is, "my your journey go well, may you succeed on your journey"
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=farewell
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=fare
For that matter, "Goodbye" goes back to "God be with ye", which carried the similar idea -- God's presence is wished on the person IN ORDER THAT they will succeed and prosper. But it's a bit more general, not referring to a specific venture. (Many other expressions uttered on parting originally implied the same idea, including those that refer to the next meeting "till we meet again [may God be with you and keep you/bless you]", cf. "au revoir".)
Of the three "God speed" best keeps the idea of a SPECIFIC blessing on what the person is departing to do.
see definition:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Godspeed
A nice summary of the origins -
http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=19980129
2007-07-21 07:12:01 · answer #1 · answered by bruhaha 7 · 13⤊ 0⤋
Godspeed Meaning
2016-09-29 05:32:16 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
What is the definition of Godspeed?
Why do people say it?
2015-08-18 16:09:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Godspeed is a wish for a prosperous journey, success, and good fortune. Its an expression of respect and good will when addressing someone, typically someone about to go on a journey . For example, " I'm wishing you God-speed and aiding you with my prayers".
I don't think people say that pretty often.
Nowadays, people just say, "Good luck!! . Take care!! Have a safe journey".
2007-07-20 16:26:07 · answer #4 · answered by kim 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
several definitions/ BUT/ as a word/ Godspeed=is a wish for a prosperous journey,success, and good fortune
2007-07-20 16:19:49 · answer #5 · answered by hotdogsarefree 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
God Speed is analogous to the term Good luck. It may be also in the form of blessing or grace. Probably, they put together God and Speed to give on emphasis that may God be with you or may blessing come down to you in great speed. God Speed probably because you'll be in a journey and so it needs that so called "God-speed" in order for the blessing to reach you and drawn to you.:)
2014-10-13 16:57:56 · answer #6 · answered by Leo 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The term "God Speed" is used to express the importance of walking with God on HIS speed instead of OUR own speed which can sometimes be rush rush hurry up or the reverse which is stuck like a bump on a log.
2014-10-24 05:59:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
God Speed Meaning
2016-12-08 20:32:31 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's short for, "May God speed your journey" - in other words, hoping you have a short and safe trip. At a time when trips often took days to months, any delay from weather to bandits was generally unwelcome and potentially hazardous.
2007-07-20 16:32:52 · answer #9 · answered by dukefenton 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It is a blessing meaning To the effect-May God watch over you, guide you and protect you on your journey.
2007-07-20 16:20:25 · answer #10 · answered by willy 2 · 7⤊ 0⤋