Is harbinger formal or informal?

What is the difference between harbinger and sign?

How do I use harbinger in a sentence?

Is harbinger common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

harbinger

/ˈhɑːbɪndʒə/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A person or thing that shows that something will happen soon.

The robin is a harbinger of spring.
Dark clouds are a harbinger of rain.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: 'harbinger' suggests an early signal and is often more formal than 'sign' or 'indication'; writers choose it when emphasizing that a change is approaching; unlike 'omen' or 'portent', it can refer to ordinary seasonal shifts like weather.

In other languages

Spanish: Señal de algo próximo
Japanese: 近いうちに起こることを示すもの
Korean: 다가올 일의 징조
Vietnamese: Sự kiện sắp tới
Chinese: 预兆，预示

Common phrases

harbinger of changea harbinger of springclear harbingera dark harbinger

Synonyms

sign indication forerunner omen portent

Frequently asked questions

Is harbinger formal or informal?: Is harbinger formal or informal?
What is the difference between harbinger and sign?: What is the difference between harbinger and sign?
How do I use harbinger in a sentence?: How do I use harbinger in a sentence?
Is harbinger common in academic writing?: Is harbinger common in academic writing?