'dawn-like' originates from the English word 'dawn,' combined with the suffix '-like,' which means 'resembling or similar to.'

The word 'dawn' comes from the Old English 'dagian,' meaning 'to become day,' and the suffix '-like' has been used in English since the Middle Ages to form adjectives indicating similarity.

Initially, 'dawn' referred to the break of day, and '-like' indicated resemblance. The combined form 'dawn-like' has consistently meant 'resembling dawn.'