dawn on — to begin to understand or realize something gradually
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to begin to understand or realize something gradually
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɔːn ɒn/
Example Sentences
- It dawned on him that he had been wearing mismatched socks all day at the important meeting.
- The solution to the problem finally dawned on her during her morning shower.
- It slowly dawned on the cat owner that their 'shy' pet had actually been plotting world domination.
dawn on
NOUN[/dɔːn ɒn/]
to begin to understand or realize something gradually
It finally dawned on him that he had left the keys inside the locked car.
From a yawn to understanding drawn - truth will dawn on!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase originated from a metaphorical expression comparing the sudden emergence of understanding in the mind to the breaking of dawn. Used from the 16th century onward, it draws on the image of dawn dispelling darkness to represent truth illuminating ignorance, with 'dawn' serving as the vehicle for this conceptual transfer.
Breakdown
dawn (the break of day, figuratively: sudden illumination or realization) + on (upon, directed toward) = understanding arriving suddenly and unexpectedly upon a person, as daylight breaks upon the darkness.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“It dawned on him that he had been wearing mismatched socks all day at the important meeting.”
“The solution to the problem finally dawned on her during her morning shower.”
“It slowly dawned on the cat owner that their 'shy' pet had actually been plotting world domination.”
“As I watched the sunrise, it dawned on me how beautiful life could be.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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