Definition

The time that occurs just before the sun rises in the morning.

Example

I love to go for a run in the predawn hours when the world is quiet.

Conversation

I love going for walks in the predawn hours when everything is quiet.

That sounds nice! The world feels so peaceful before the day starts.

Exactly! It’s a great time to clear my mind before work.

I should join you sometime; it would be a refreshing start to the day.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Predawn → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "dawn" (from Old English "dæge", meaning the first light of day). The word "predawn" refers to the time before the first light of day.

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'pre-' meaning before, and 'dawn' as the first light of day — so predawn is the time before the day begins.

Visually Confused Words