harbinger
/ˈhɑːbɪndʒə/
Group 20Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another GRE
Example in Context
The early frost was a harbinger of the unusually harsh winter that climate scientists had been predicting for months.
Synonyms
signomenforerunner
Etymology
Originally one who provides shelter, now a signal of things to come.
- herberge (Old French) — to shelter
Memory Aid
🍕Sounds like “hard binge”
Imagine being a HARDBINGER of bad news, announcing a massive pizza binge that ends with everyone in pain!
Visual Association
🔔A town crier ringing a bell, dramatically announcing the arrival of a storm as everyone hurriedly prepares.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “harbinger” mean on the GRE?
harbinger (noun) means “A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another”. The early frost was a harbinger of the unusually harsh winter that climate scientists had been predicting for months.
How to remember “harbinger” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “harbinger” sounds like “hard binge”. Imagine being a HARDBINGER of bad news, announcing a massive pizza binge that ends with everyone in pain!
What are synonyms for “harbinger”?
Common synonyms: sign, omen, forerunner.