Harbinger: meaning, definitions and examples

🔮

Add to dictionary

harbinger

[ˈhɑː.bɪn.dʒər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in astrology

A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another.

Synonyms

herald, omen, sign.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
harbinger	Used when referring to something or someone that announces or signals the approach of another thing. It is often used in a neutral or formal context. The blooming flowers are a harbinger of spring. His arrival was seen as a harbinger of change.
herald	Often used to indicate something that precedes or comes before an important event or change and formally announces it. It has a more traditional or ceremonial tone. The comet's appearance was believed to herald great changes. The new policy heralds a fresh beginning for the company.
omen	Typically used in contexts where something is seen as a prophetic sign, often with a negative or ominous connotation. The dark clouds were considered a bad omen for the voyage. Seeing a black cat was taken as an omen of bad luck.
sign	A more general term that refers to an indicator or evidence of something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, both positive and negative, formal and informal. The clear skies are a sign of good weather. Yawning frequently can be a sign of being tired.

Examples of usage

The robin is a harbinger of spring.
The dark clouds were a harbinger of the coming storm.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in general

A forerunner of something, such as a trend or idea.

Synonyms

indicator, precursor, prelude.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
harbinger	Used to describe something that signals the onset of an event or a change, often something significant or momentous. The sudden drop in temperature is a harbinger of winter Some consider the blooming of flowers a harbinger of spring
precursor	This word is suitable when referring to something that comes before another and acts as a forerunner or predecessor, often in a sequence. The pager was a precursor to modern mobile phones The horse and buggy can be considered a precursor to the automobile
indicator	Useful to describe a sign or piece of information that suggests or shows the state or level of something. It often refers to data or measurable factors. The rising unemployment rate is a clear indicator of economic problems High cholesterol levels can be an indicator of heart disease
prelude	Ideal for describing an action, event, or piece of music that introduces something more important or significant that follows. It often has an introductory role. The small skirmish was a prelude to a larger battle The peaceful protest was a prelude to a larger movement for change

Examples of usage

The new technology was a harbinger of future advancements.
His success was seen as a harbinger of things to come.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old French 'herberger', meaning 'to shelter', which evolved to refer to someone who provides a preview.
In Middle English, it described someone who provided lodging, influencing the modern sense of someone or something that precedes an event.
The prefix 'har-' is related to the idea of 'having' or 'holding', suggesting possession of a message or sign.

Literature

The term appears frequently in classic literature, often used to signal impending change or fate.
In Shakespeare’s works, the presence of a harbinger often foreshadowed significant events in the plot.
Modern authors utilize the concept of a harbinger to build suspense and anticipation in narratives.

Science

In environmental studies, certain animals can act as harbingers of changes in climate, indicating shifts in ecosystems.
Scientists sometimes refer to specific species as harbingers of change, warning that biodiversity is at risk.
Detection of unusual weather patterns often serves as a harbinger of impending climate events, like hurricanes.

Pop Culture

The term is often used in horror films to describe entities or omens that signal an impending doom.
In video games, a harbinger can function as a character who appears to catalyze the story's main conflict.
Songs and music often use the idea of a harbinger as a metaphor for love or heartbreak that foreshadows future feelings.

Psychology

Psychologists suggest that humans are naturally inclined to identify harbingers in their lives, such as feelings of anxiety before a major life change.
Emotions can act as harbingers, forewarning individuals of potential mental health crises.
Cognitive psychology examines how the brain recognizes patterns, allowing people to perceive harbingers in everyday situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "harbinger" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presságio

🇮🇳 अग्रदूत

🇩🇪 Vorzeichen

🇮🇩 pertanda

🇺🇦 передвісник

🇵🇱 zwiastun

🇯🇵 前兆 (ぜんちょう)

🇫🇷 prémonition

🇪🇸 presagio

🇹🇷 belirti

🇰🇷 전조 (jeonjo)

🇸🇦 نذير

🇨🇿 předzvěst

🇸🇰 predzvesť

🇨🇳 预兆 (yùzhào)

🇸🇮 znamenje

🇮🇸 fyrirboði

🇰🇿 белгі

🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველი

🇦🇿 müjdəçi

🇲🇽 presagio

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,200, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24197 wanderers
24198 duller
24199 positing
24200 harbinger
24201 soiling
24202 brimstone
24203 reappointment
...