wonder
to think or speculate curiously: to wonder about the origin of the solar system.
to be filled with admiration, amazement, or awe; marvel (often followed by at): He wondered at her composure in such a crisis.
to doubt: I wonder if she'll really get here.
to speculate curiously or be curious about; be curious to know: to wonder what happened.
to feel wonder at: I wonder that you went.
something strange and surprising; a cause of surprise, astonishment, or admiration: That building is a wonder. It is a wonder he declined such an offer.
the emotion excited by what is strange and surprising; a feeling of surprised or puzzled interest, sometimes tinged with admiration:He felt wonder at seeing the Grand Canyon.
miraculous deed or event; remarkable phenomenon.
Idioms about wonder
for a wonder, as the reverse of what might be expected; surprisingly: For a wonder, they worked hard all day.
Origin of wonder
1Other words for wonder
Other words from wonder
- won·der·er, noun
- won·der·less, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use wonder in a sentence
The treatment may not work perfectly—unlike the latest herbal wonder, which of course fixes your brain and all that’s not wrong with it.
How Pseudoscientists Get Away With It - Facts So Romantic | Stuart Firestein | August 28, 2020 | NautilusUpdating old content can work wonders for an ill-performing page as well.
Content marketing fails: How to analyze and improve | Michael Doer | August 27, 2020 | Search Engine WatchKeeping a website with fresh content can do wonders for your SEO.
East Africa is home to several visible geographical wonders that have attracted tourists to the area.
Scientists say a new ocean will form in Africa as the continent continues to split into two | Uwagbale Edward-Ekpu | August 13, 2020 | QuartzThe pandemic has thrown a floodlight on the inner workings of this modern wonder—and it’s exposed massive vulnerabilities.
Why We Need Mass Automation to Pandemic-Proof the Supply Chain | Derik Pridmore | July 10, 2020 | Singularity Hub
I watched Garner die on tape and wondered why I was crying so hard when I am not that much of a cryer at all.
Still, he admitted—without disclosing his salary—that he wondered whether the paychecks were too good to last.
If we wondered where a forger would get the materials to forge a text like this, we need look no further than eBay.
Dismembering History: The Shady Online Trade in Ancient Texts | Candida Moss | November 23, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe conference room suddenly felt very warm, and I wondered if the AC had gone out.
I wondered who else was making a mark in the field in these turbulent times.
In their shelter, Brion and Ulv crouched low and wondered why the attack didn't come.
Sense of Obligation | Henry Maxwell Dempsey (AKA Harry Harrison)Miss Thangue replied, impulsively, "I have often wondered if you numbered satiety among your complexities!"
Ancestors | Gertrude AthertonShe had never had this curiosity in relation to George Cannon--she had only wondered about his affairs with other women.
Hilda Lessways | Arnold BennettI have looked at these jewelled sun-clusters many a time, and wondered over them.
God and my Neighbour | Robert BlatchfordShe wondered if there were a kind of dreadful dog which made a specialty of eating fathers.
Rosemary in Search of a Father | C. N. Williamson
British Dictionary definitions for wonder (1 of 2)
/ (ˈwʌndə) /
the feeling excited by something strange; a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and sometimes awe
something that causes such a feeling, such as a miracle
(modifier) exciting wonder by virtue of spectacular results achieved, feats performed, etc: a wonder drug; a wonder horse
do wonders or work wonders to achieve spectacularly fine results
for a wonder surprisingly or amazingly
nine days' wonder a subject that arouses general surprise or public interest for a short time
no wonder (sentence connector) (I am) not surprised at all (that): no wonder he couldn't come
small wonder (sentence connector) (I am) hardly surprised (that): small wonder he couldn't make it tonight
(when intr, often foll by about) to indulge in speculative inquiry, often accompanied by an element of doubt (concerning something): I wondered about what she said; I wonder what happened
(when intr, often foll by at) to be amazed (at something): I wonder at your impudence
Origin of wonder
1Derived forms of wonder
- wonderer, noun
- wonderless, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for Wonder (2 of 2)
/ (ˈwʌndə) /
Stevie. real name Steveland Judkins Morris. born 1950, US Motown singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His recordings include Up-Tight (1966), "Superstition" (1972), Innervisions (1973), Songs in the Key of Life (1976), and "I Just Called to Say I Love You" (1985)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with wonder
In addition to the idiom beginning with wonder
- wonders will never cease
also see:
- for a wonder
- no wonder
- work wonders
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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