How Do You Spell HARBINGER?

Pronunciation: [hˈɑːbɪnd͡ʒə] (IPA)

Harbinger is a word with a somewhat tricky spelling, but its pronunciation is quite simple: ˈhɑrbɪndʒər. This word refers to a person or thing that precedes and signals the arrival of something, usually something unpleasant. It comes from the Middle English word "herbengar" which means a person who provides lodging. The spelling of the word harbinger is derived from the Anglo-Norman French "harbergere" which means a person in charge of a shelter or lodging. Despite its unconventional spelling, harbinger is a vital word to add to your vocabulary, especially when discussing ominous events.

HARBINGER Meaning and Definition

  1. Harbinger is a noun that refers to something or someone that signals or foreshadows the arrival of another thing or event, typically by indicating or predicting its future occurrence. It can also be used as a verb to describe the act of serving as a harbinger.

    In a literal sense, a harbinger is often associated with a person who is sent ahead to announce the arrival of an important figure, such as a messenger or an official envoy. However, in a figurative sense, harbinger is commonly used to describe a sign, occurrence, or phenomenon that anticipates and predicts the arrival or future outcome of something, be it positive or negative.

    Harbingers can take various forms, including omens, signs, or indications that precede major events or changes. For example, the arrival of dark clouds can serve as a harbinger of an impending storm, or a sharp decline in stock prices can be seen as a harbinger of an economic recession. In literature and poetry, a harbinger may represent a symbolic or metaphorical element in a narrative, suggesting a shift in the story or the arrival of a new chapter.

    In summary, harbinger is a versatile term that denotes a messenger, sign, or event that precedes and foretells the arrival or occurrence of something else. It is an essential concept in understanding the anticipation and recognition of future events.

  2. A forerunner; a precursor.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for HARBINGER

Etymology of HARBINGER

The word "harbinger" derives from Old French, where it was spelled as "herbergier", meaning "to provide lodging" or "to host". It is a combination of the words "herberge" (hostel) and "herbergeor" (one who provides lodging). Over time, the meaning of "harbinger" shifted from referring to a person who provides lodging or hospitality to its modern usage as an omen, sign, or precursor that foreshadows or announces the arrival of something.

Idioms with the word HARBINGER

  • harbinger of things to come The idiom "harbinger of things to come" refers to something or someone that foreshadows or predicts future events or developments. It is a sign or indication that preludes or heralds what is to come in the future, often with significant implications.

Similar spelling words for HARBINGER

Plural form of HARBINGER is HARBINGERS

Conjugate verb Harbinger

CONDITIONAL

I would harbinger
you would harbinger
he/she/it would harbinger
we would harbinger
they would harbinger

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be harbingering
you would be harbingering
he/she/it would be harbingering
we would be harbingering
they would be harbingering

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have harbinger
you would have harbinger
he/she/it would have harbinger
we would have harbinger
they would have harbinger

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been harbingering
you would have been harbingering
he/she/it would have been harbingering
we would have been harbingering
they would have been harbingering

FUTURE

I will harbinger
you will harbinger
he/she/it will harbinger
we will harbinger
they will harbinger

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be harbingering
you will be harbingering
he/she/it will be harbingering
we will be harbingering
they will be harbingering

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have harbingered
you will have harbingered
he/she/it will have harbingered
we will have harbingered
they will have harbingered

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been harbingering
you will have been harbingering
he/she/it will have been harbingering
we will have been harbingering
they will have been harbingering

IMPERATIVE

you harbinger
we let´s harbinger

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to harbinger

PAST

I harbingered
you harbingered
he/she/it harbingered
we harbingered
they harbingered

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was harbingering
you were harbingering
he/she/it was harbingering
we were harbingering
they were harbingering

PAST PARTICIPLE

harbingered

PAST PERFECT

I had harbingered
you had harbingered
he/she/it had harbingered
we had harbingered
they had harbingered

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been harbingering
you had been harbingering
he/she/it had been harbingering
we had been harbingering
they had been harbingering

PRESENT

I harbinger
you harbinger
he/she/it harbingers
we harbinger
they harbinger

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am harbingering
you are harbingering
he/she/it is harbingering
we are harbingering
they are harbingering

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

harbingering

PRESENT PERFECT

I have harbingered
you have harbingered
he/she/it has harbingered
we have harbingered
they have harbingered

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been harbingering
you have been harbingering
he/she/it has been harbingering
we have been harbingering
they have been harbingering

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