What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
portent
Example
The dark clouds were a portent of the storm that was about to hit. [portent: noun]
Example
The sudden drop in the stock market was seen as a portent of an economic recession. [portent: adjective]
harbinger
Example
The first snowfall of the year was a harbinger of the winter season. [harbinger: noun]
Example
The new technology was seen as a harbinger of progress and innovation. [harbinger: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harbinger is more commonly used than portent in everyday language, as it has a wider range of positive connotations and can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between portent and harbinger?
Both portent and harbinger are formal words that are more likely to be used in written or academic contexts than in casual conversation.
