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aube

dawn, daybreak

noun OHB Less Common
Time Time of Day

Origin: Latin alba (white)

Also means

alb (liturgical vestment)

Usage Note

Aube primarily means 'dawn' in everyday French — à l'aube means 'at dawn'. Its etymology from Latin alba (white) reflects the pale light of early morning. The expression à l'aube de means 'at the dawn of' (a period or era), used both literally and figuratively.

Examples

"Ils sont partis à l'aube pour éviter la chaleur."

Natural Translation

They left at dawn to avoid the heat.

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