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Harbinger: meaning, definitions and examples

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harbinger

 

[ ˈhɑː.bɪn.dʒər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in astrology

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

Synonyms

herald, omen, sign

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

Examples of usage

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

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

Etymology

The word 'harbinger' originated from Middle English, from Old French herbergere, from herbergier 'provide lodging, host', from herberge 'lodging', from Old Saxon heriberga, from heri 'army' + berga 'protection'. The sense 'forerunner' dates back to the 16th century.

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.