1. Etymology and Root Meaning
The word “heralded” has its roots in the Old French word “heraut,” which originally referred to a messenger or a proclaimer. Over time, in English, the verb “herald” evolved to mean not just someone who delivers messages but also to announce or proclaim something important, often with a sense of fanfare or significance. “Heralded” as the past tense and past participle of “herald” thus carries this legacy of official, important announcements.
2. As a Verb in Expressing Announcement
- Positive and Celebratory Announcements
“Heralded” is frequently used to describe announcements that are positive and worthy of celebration. For example, “The new policy was heralded as a major step forward in environmental protection.” Here, the word “heralded” implies that the new policy was not just announced but was presented with a sense of optimism and acclaim. It suggests that experts, the public, or relevant authorities believed this policy to be a significant and positive development. The act of “heralding” in such cases often involves media coverage, public statements, and general enthusiasm around the new development. - Announcements of Change or New Beginnings
It is also commonly used when there are announcements related to change or new beginnings. “The invention of the printing press was heralded as a revolutionary moment in the history of communication.” This sentence shows how the invention was not just a simple event but was announced and recognized as a turning - point. The use of “heralded” emphasizes the significance of this new beginning, which had far - reaching consequences for the spread of knowledge and information.
3. In the Context of Prediction or Signaling
- Predictive Heralding
“Heralded” can also be used to indicate that something is a sign or predictor of future events. “The arrival of the first swallows is often heralded as the coming of spring.” In this context, the appearance of the swallows is not just an observation but is seen as a signal, almost like an announcement, that spring is approaching. This usage gives a sense of nature itself “heralding” the change of seasons, with the swallows acting as the messengers. - Heralding in Historical and Literary Contexts
In historical and literary works, “heralded” is used to set the stage for important events. In a historical narrative, “The fall of the Berlin Wall was heralded as the end of an era of Cold War division.” This usage helps to emphasize the significance of the event within the broader historical context. In literature, an author might write, “The strange glow in the sky was heralded as a portent of the disaster to come.” Here, it adds an element of foreshadowing, creating a sense of anticipation and unease for the reader.
4. Grammatical Usage
- Passive Voice Construction
“Heralded” is often used in the passive voice, as in the examples above. “[Subject] was heralded as [description].” This construction places the focus on the subject that is being announced or signaled, rather than the person or entity doing the heralding. For example, “The new technology was heralded as a game - changer in the industry.” The passive voice is effective in these cases because it highlights the importance of the new technology itself, rather than who specifically was making the announcement. - Active Voice Usage (Less Common but Impactful)
While less common, “heralded” can also be used in the active voice. For instance, “The town crier heralded the king's arrival with great fanfare.” Here, the subject (the town crier) is actively performing the action of heralding, and the use of the active voice gives a more vivid sense of the act of announcement, emphasizing the role of the herald in making the news known.
In conclusion, “heralded” is a rich and versatile word in the English language. It not only conveys the act of announcement but also adds a layer of significance, celebration, or prediction to the events, objects, or ideas it describes. Its usage in different contexts, both in terms of meaning and grammar, enriches the language and helps to convey complex ideas about important developments, changes, and signs of the future.