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Herald Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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herald

[หˆherษ™ld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

news

A person or thing viewed as a sign that something is about to happen.

Synonyms

forerunner, harbinger, precursor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
herald

This word is often used to signify someone or something that announces an event, usually of great importance or significance. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • The arrival of the swallows heralds the beginning of summer.
  • The new policy is heralded as a major breakthrough in education reform.
harbinger

This word is typically used to describe something that foreshadows a future event, often with a slightly ominous or negative connotation.

  • The dark clouds were a harbinger of the coming storm.
  • The decline in sales was viewed as a harbinger of the company's financial troubles.
precursor

Similar to forerunner, precursor refers to something that precedes and lays the groundwork for something else, especially in a scientific, technological, or academic context.

  • The discovery of penicillin was a precursor to modern antibiotics.
  • The steam engine was a precursor to contemporary transportation technology.
forerunner

Forerunner is used to describe something that comes before and indicates the approach of something else. It often has a more historical or formal tone.

  • The horse-drawn carriage was a forerunner of the modern automobile.
  • This ancient sculpture is seen as a forerunner of contemporary art.

Examples of usage

  • The first primroses are the heralds of spring.
  • The peace agreement was hailed as herald of peace in the region.
Context #2 | Noun

history

A royal or official messenger, especially one representing a monarch in an ambassadorial capacity during wartime.

Synonyms

ambassador, envoy, messenger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
herald

Repeated word: see the first detailed context and examples.
messenger

Utilized in more general or casual contexts to describe someone who delivers messages or information. Can also be used in historical or fantasy settings.

  • He was just a simple messenger, delivering letters to the villagers
  • In Greek mythology, Hermes is the messenger of the gods
ambassador

Appropriate in diplomatic or formal settings where someone represents their country or organization in a foreign land.

  • The U
  • S
  • ambassador met with the president of France
  • As a cultural ambassador, she promotes her country's art and music
envoy

Employed in diplomatic contexts to describe a special messenger or representative, often on a specific mission.

  • The president sent an envoy to negotiate the peace treaty
  • An international envoy was dispatched to mediate the conflict

Examples of usage

  • The herald announced the arrival of the king.
  • The herald brought news of the treaty to the neighboring kingdom.
Context #3 | Verb

announce

Be a sign that (something) is about to happen.

Synonyms

announce, indicate, signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
herald

Often used in literary or formal contexts to describe the act of announcing or signaling something important or new. It has a connotation of formality and importance.

  • The arrival of the comet was heralded by astronomers as a once-in-a-lifetime event.
  • The dawn heralded the beginning of a new era for the kingdom.
announce

Commonly used in everyday language to inform people about something publicly or officially. It is more neutral and less formal than 'herald'.

  • The company will announce the new CEO next week.
  • She announced her engagement to her friends and family.
signal

Typically used to describe an action, sound, or event that gives a message or warning. It is often used in the context of communication, both literal and figurative.

  • The green light signals that it is safe to proceed.
  • The manager's nod signaled approval.
indicate

Used to show, point out, or suggest something without direct or explicit announcement. It is often used in analytical or technical contexts.

  • The data indicates a significant increase in sales.
  • His tone indicated that he was unhappy with the situation.

Examples of usage

  • The distant thunder heralded an approaching storm.
  • The new technology heralds a revolution in the industry.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • In the Middle Ages, heralds played crucial roles in communicating messages and representing kings and nobles at tournaments and events.
  • The first official heralds existed in the 12th century, acting as a link between different factions and helping to manage conflicts.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often played the role of heralds, delivering vital news that moved the plot forward.
  • Heralds appear frequently in epic poetry, such as in 'The Iliad', where they convey messages between warring factions.

Pop Culture

  • The character Herald in fantasy novels or movies often carries magical messages or calls heroes to action, emphasizing their vital role.
  • In video games, especially RPGs, heralds often provide quests or important story updates to players.

Symbolism

  • Heralds represent communication and transition, often acting as bridges between different worlds or ideas.
  • In various cultures, heralds symbolize authority and the importance of news, highlighting how communication shapes society.

Origin of 'herald'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old French term 'heraut' and the Germanic 'hariwald', meaning 'commander' or 'army ruler'.
  • In medieval times, heralds were often noblemen responsible for keeping peace and announcing battles, ceremonies, and tournaments.

The word 'herald' originates from the Old French 'heraut', meaning a herald. In the Middle Ages, heralds were official messengers who carried messages between kings and nobles. They were also responsible for announcing events and tournaments. Over time, the word 'herald' evolved to encompass the idea of announcing or signaling something. Today, 'herald' is commonly used to describe a sign or messenger of something to come.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,327, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.