Dawn on
verb
When something becomes clear or understandable to someone.
It suddenly dawned on me that I forgot my keys at home.

Often appears as...
- dawned on me
- dawned on him
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
When something becomes clear or understandable to someone.
It suddenly dawned on me that I forgot my keys at home.

Often appears as...
- dawned on me
- dawned on him
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1

Sudden Realization
The phrase often highlights a sudden moment of understanding, as if waking up.

As the teacher explained, it dawned on me how the equation worked.
Not Immediate
Understanding can take time to develop, not always an instant realization.

Over coffee, it slowly dawned on us that we had met before.
Personal Insight
Use when the realization is personal or specific to the individual's perspective.

After our chat, it dawned on her that self-care is important.
Sudden Realization
The phrase often highlights a sudden moment of understanding, as if waking up.

As the teacher explained, it dawned on me how the equation worked.
Not Immediate
Understanding can take time to develop, not always an instant realization.

Over coffee, it slowly dawned on us that we had met before.
Personal Insight
Use when the realization is personal or specific to the individual's perspective.

After our chat, it dawned on her that self-care is important.
Sudden Realization
The phrase often highlights a sudden moment of understanding, as if waking up.

As the teacher explained, it dawned on me how the equation worked.
Not Immediate
Understanding can take time to develop, not always an instant realization.

Over coffee, it slowly dawned on us that we had met before.
Personal Insight
Use when the realization is personal or specific to the individual's perspective.

After our chat, it dawned on her that self-care is important.
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension