Definition

Verb: 1. To mark or signal the beginning of something new, often something significant or important. It describes the action of introducing or heralding the start of a new era, period, or development. 2. To precede and indicate the approach of something. It can mean to act as a forerunner or precursor to an event or change.

Usage and Examples

• The invention of the smartphone ushered in a new age of instant communication and mobile computing.
• The election of the new leader ushered in a period of economic reform and optimism.
• The first robin of spring ushers in the warmer season.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in historical, social, or technological contexts to describe transformative changes.
• It typically has a neutral or formal tone but can carry a positive or negative connotation depending on what is being introduced.
  • The new law ushered in stricter regulations for the industry. (Neutral/Formal)
  • The treaty ushered in a long-awaited era of peace. (Positive)
  • The stock market crash ushered in a decade of economic depression. (Negative)

Variants and Related Words

• Usher (verb): To lead or guide someone somewhere. This is the root verb from which the phrasal verb is derived.
  • The attendant will usher you to your seats.
• Usher (noun): A person who shows people to their seats, especially in a theater or at a wedding.

Synonyms

• Herald: To be a sign that something is about to happen.
• Ring in: To celebrate or mark the beginning of something (e.g., ).
• Introduce: To bring something into use or operation for the first time.
• Pave the way for: To create a situation that makes it possible for something to happen.

Antonyms

• Conclude
• End
• Terminate

Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms

• Usher out: To mark or signal the end of something. It is the direct opposite of "usher in."
  • The retirement of the old CEO ushered out the company's traditional business model.

Verb

1. be a precursor of
   • The fall of the Berlin Wall ushered in the post-Cold War period