Dawning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dawning

[หˆdษ”ห.nษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

time of day

Dawning refers to the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise. It signifies the transition from night to day, often characterized by a gradual increase in brightness. This moment is not only visually stunning but also carries symbolic meanings associated with new beginnings and hope. The term is often used poetically to describe the awakening of nature or the start of a new venture.

Synonyms

daybreak, morning, sunrise.

Examples of usage

  • The dawning of a new day brings fresh opportunities.
  • She watched the dawning light as she sipped her coffee.
  • The artist captured the dawning colors of the sky in his painting.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Dawn marks a significant transition in the Earth's rotation, where sunlight begins to reach an area after a night of darkness.
  • During dawn, certain atmospheric conditions can create beautiful colors in the sky due to Rayleigh scattering, which also affects how we perceive colors.
  • Birds are often more active during dawn, a phenomenon called 'dawn chorus,' when they sing loudly to establish territories.

Literature

  • Dawn has been a popular motif in poetry and literature symbolizing new beginnings, hope, and renewal.
  • Famous works like 'Dawn' by Elie Wiesel explore deeper themes of resurrection and the start of a new life amidst tragedy.
  • Romantic poets like William Wordsworth often wrote about the beauty of dawn to evoke emotions related to nature and introspection.

Culture

  • Many cultures celebrate dawn with rituals and ceremonies, viewing it as a sacred time of day.
  • In Hinduism, 'Brahma Muhurta,' a period before dawn, is considered the most auspicious time for meditation and spiritual practices.
  • In various folklore, dawn symbolizes the end of darkness, representing hope, safety, and enlightenment.

Origin of 'dawning'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dawning' comes from the Old English 'dรฆge', meaning 'day'.
  • Historically, 'dawn' referred to the breaking of day or the first light after night.
  • In different languages, similar roots are found; for instance, 'aube' in French and 'aurora' in Latin both refer to dawn.

The word 'dawning' originates from the Old English term 'dรฆgnian,' which meant 'to become day.' This term is related to the root of 'day' in the Germanic languages. Throughout history, the concept of dawn has been significant in various cultures, often symbolizing rebirth, renewal, and the cyclical nature of time. In literature and poetry, dawn is frequently used as a metaphor to depict hope and new possibilities. Over time, 'dawning' has evolved in usage to encompass not just the physical time of day but also metaphorical dawnings that signify new phases or beginnings in life.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,599, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.