Words / A2

DORN/dɔːn/

Dawn is the first light of the day: at dawn, dawn chorus, from dawn to dusk. Sunrise is a close cousin. Dusk is evening light — a useful opposite pair. Down is a direction. Do not write dawn when you mean down, or darn.

Meaning

The time of day when light first appears.

Examples

• “We left the hostel at dawn to catch the first ferry.”
• “Taxis are cheaper if you reach the airport before dawn.”
• “At dawn the square was empty except for street cleaners.”

Good to know

at dawn / from dawn to dusk. Cousin: sunrise. Opposite time: dusk. Mix-up: down.

Near in meaning

sunrise

New