dawn
UK[dɔːn]US[dɔːn]
n
the time in the morning when light first appears in the sky; daybreak.
n
the beginning or first appearance of something.
v
(of a day) to begin and grow light.
v
to begin to be understood or apparent.
Etymology
the word "dawn" originates from the old english verb "dagian," meaning "to become day." this verb is derived from the old english noun "dæg," meaning "day," which has proto-germanic roots in "dagaz." the modern noun form "dawn" developed in the late 15th century from the related middle english verb "dawen." the semantic journey is direct and concrete, moving from the general concept of "day" to the specific action of "the day beginning" and finally to the noun denoting that moment of first light, which naturally extends to metaphorical beginnings.
Analysis
n/a
Examples
we woke at dawn to begin our hike.
the dawn of the internet age changed communication forever.
the truth finally dawned on him after he read the letter.