Harbinger
hardNeutral toneHAR-bin-jer
noun
Definition
A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another
Memory hook
HARBOR-inger: the first ship entering the HARBOR announces the fleet is coming - a herald of what follows.
Examples
“The robin is often seen as a harbinger of spring.”
“The economic downturn was a harbinger of worse times to come.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The robin is often seen as a ______ of spring.”
Show answer
harbinger
Categories
GRE Tip
Harbinger is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "herald" or "precursor" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "aftermath".
Related GRE Words
precursor
A person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner
predecessor
A person who held a job or office before the current holder
foretoken
A sign of something to come; an omen
portend
To be a sign or warning that something is likely to happen
omen
An event regarded as a sign of future good or evil
premonition
A strong feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant
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