What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
predawn
Example
The fishermen set out on their boats during the predawn hours. [predawn: adjective]
Example
She woke up in the predawn darkness to go for a run. [predawn: noun]
dawn
Example
The sky was painted with beautiful colors during the dawn. [dawn: noun]
Example
He watched as the sun dawned over the mountains. [dawn: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dawn is more commonly used than predawn in everyday language. Dawn is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while predawn is less common and refers specifically to the time before dawn.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between predawn and dawn?
Both predawn and dawn are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
