Herald

Noun

Definition: An official messenger who announces important news or events.

Synonyms: Messenger, Announcer, Crier

Antonyms: None

Examples:

The herald proclaimed the arrival of the king.
The herald announced the winner of the competition.

Mnemonics:

"Herald" sounds like "heralding," which means announcing or proclaiming.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Old English 'her(e)ald', from Old French 'heraud', from Frankish 'hariwald', from Germanic 'harja' (army) and 'waldan' (to rule)

Historical Usage:

Heralds were originally messengers sent by monarchs to convey important messages. Eventually, they became official announcers of events and functions.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Herald of doom"

Explanation:

Refers to a person or thing viewed as a sign that something bad or disastrous is about to happen.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "herald" with "heraldry."

Explanation:

"Herald" refers to a messenger or announcer, while "heraldry" refers to the system by which coats of arms and other armorial bearings are devised, described, and regulated.