World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesHarbinger
/ˈhɑːr.bɪn.dʒər/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another.
"Dark storm clouds on the horizon were the harbinger of a severe summer tempest."
- 1
To signal or foreshadow the coming of someone or something.
"The blooming of these delicate wildflowers harbingers the arrival of spring."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Middle English word 'herbergeor', meaning a person who provides lodging or an army's forerunner, coming from the Old French 'herberge'. Ultimately, it traces back to the Germanic roots 'harja' (army) and 'beorgon' (to shelter or protect), evolving from a literal provider of lodging to a metaphor for anything that foreshadows a future event.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Harbinger"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Harbinger" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
annonciateur
Transliteration: /a.nɔ̃.sja.tœʁ/
"Le chant des oiseaux est l'annonciateur du printemps."
Vorbote
Transliteration: /ˈfoːɐ̯ˌboːtə/
"Die ersten warmen Tage sind ein Vorbote des Sommers."
precursore
Transliteration: /pre.kurˈsɔ.re/
"Le rondini sono il precursore della bella stagione."
herald
Transliteration: /aˈɾal
Script: arúspice
"Estas nubes oscuras son el presagio de una tormenta."
augúrio
Transliteration: /awˈɡu.ɾi.u/
"As primeiras flores são o prenúncio da primavera."
अग्रदूत
Transliteration: agradoot
"यह ठंडी हवा आने वाली सर्दी का अग्रदूत है।"
预兆
Transliteration: yùzhào
"燕子归来是春天的预兆。"
전조
Transliteration: jeonjo
"이 새들은 봄의 전조입니다."
前兆
Transliteration: zenchō
"その黒い雲は嵐の前兆だった。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsPlacing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
The cold temperature or biting quality of the air characteristic of winter.
To walk with difficulty, typically because of physical injury or stiffness in the legs or feet.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Harbinger"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.