Wonder


The emotion aroused by something awe-inspiring, astounding, or marvelous.

NOUN:
1a. One that arouses awe, astonishment, surprise, or admiration; a marvel: “The decision of one age or country is a wonder to another” (John Stuart Mill).
b. The emotion aroused by something awe-inspiring, astounding, or marvelous: gazed with wonder at the northern lights.
2. An event inexplicable by the laws of nature; a miracle.
3. A feeling of puzzlement or doubt.
4. often Wonder A monumental human creation regarded with awe, especially one of seven monuments of the ancient world that appeared on various lists of late antiquity.

VERB: Inflected forms: won·dered, won·der·ing, won·ders

INTRANSITIVE VERB: 1a. To have a feeling of awe or admiration; marvel: “She wondered at all the things civilization can teach a woman to endure” (Frances Newman). b. To have a feeling of surprise. 2. To be filled with curiosity or doubt.

TRANSITIVE VERB: To feel curiosity or be in doubt about: wondered what happened.

ADJECTIVE: 1a. Arousing awe or admiration. b. Wonderful. 2. Far superior to anything formerly recognized or foreseen.

IDIOM: for a wonder As a cause for surprise; surprisingly.

ETYMOLOGY: Middle English, from Old English wundor.

SYNONYMS: wonder, marvel, miracle, phenomenon, prodigy, sensation These nouns denote one that evokes amazement or admiration: saw the wonders of Paris; a marvel of modern technology; a miracle of culinary art; a phenomenon of medical science; a musical prodigy; the theatrical sensation of the season.