dawn · noun /dɔːn/
dawn
B2 C or U the early morning when light first appears in the sky
Dictionary examples:
We woke at dawn.
We left as dawn was breaking.
We left at the break of dawn.
Learner example:
The other ones will work from dawn till dusk. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)
the dawn of sth
C1 the time when something began
Dictionary example:
the dawn of civilization
Learner example:
Since the dawn of time, people of all religions have considered that there is a higher power that dictates their destiny. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Bulgarian)
the crack of dawn
C2 very early in the morning
Dictionary example:
He gets up at the crack of dawn.
Learner example:
From the crack of dawn until bed time citizens have to breathe all kinds of gas coming out of cars, [motor]bikes or [factor]ies. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)
dawn · verb /dɔːn/
dawn on sb
C2 If a fact dawns on you, you become aware of it after a period of not being aware of it.
Dictionary example:
It finally dawned on him that she’d been joking.
Learner example:
It dawned on him that for whatever the reason he was now alone in the city. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)
