harbinger
A harbinger is a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another. Imagine a scout riding ahead of an army to announce its arrival, or the first robin of spring appearing to signal that winter is finally ending. It carries the weight of a precursor that sets the stage for what is to follow. The word is formal and often carries a slightly dramatic or serious tone. It is most frequently used to describe omens or early signs of significant events, whether they are positive, like the harbinger of a new era, or negative, such as a harbinger of doom.
In conversation
Discussing industry trends
Did you see the new tech layoffs this morning?
Did you see the new tech layoffs this morning?
Yeah, I think they’re a harbinger of a much slower economic quarter ahead.
Yeah, I think they’re a harbinger of a much slower economic quarter ahead.
Used here to describe a negative indicator of future economic conditions.
Observing seasonal changes
The flowers are finally starting to bloom in the garden.
The flowers are finally starting to bloom in the garden.
They’re the perfect harbinger of the warmer days to come.
They’re the perfect harbinger of the warmer days to come.
Used here in a positive context to signal the transition of seasons.
Examples
The dark clouds were a harbinger of the coming storm.
The dark clouds were a harbinger of the coming storm.
Many historians view the treaty as the harbinger of a long-lasting peace in the region.
Many historians view the treaty as the harbinger of a long-lasting peace in the region.
The sudden shift in consumer behavior served as a harbinger of the industry's inevitable transformation.
The sudden shift in consumer behavior served as a harbinger of the industry's inevitable transformation.
