marvel
MAH-vuhl
Marvel (noun) means something that causes wonder or amazement. Example: “The tiny watch, with its hundreds of moving parts, is a marvel of craftsmanship.”
noun
1
Something that causes wonder or amazement.
"The tiny watch, with its hundreds of moving parts, is a marvel of craftsmanship."
"The cathedral is a marvel of medieval engineering."
"Modern smartphones are a marvel compared to the computers of decades past."
verb
1
To feel or express great wonder or surprise at something.
"We marvelled at the northern lights shimmering green across the night sky."
"Visitors marvel at the size of the ancient redwoods."
"She marveled at how quickly the children had grown."
How to use marvel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a noun, an amazing thing; as a verb, to be amazed by something.
Common pairings
marvel at
a marvel of engineering
modern marvel
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Word forms
- Plural
- marvels
- Third person singular
- marvels
- Past tense
- marveled, marvelled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The tiny watch, with its hundreds of moving parts, is a _____ of craftsmanship.
Etymology
From Old French merveille ("a wonder"), from Latin mirabilia, "wonderful things" — the same root as "miracle" and "admire."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “marvel” mean?
The word “marvel” means something that causes wonder or amazement. In plain terms, as a noun, an amazing thing; as a verb, to be amazed by something.
How do you pronounce “marvel”?
“Marvel” is pronounced MAH-vuhl (/ˈmɑɹvəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “marvel” in a sentence?
Here is “marvel” used in a sentence: “The cathedral is a marvel of medieval engineering.”
What part of speech is “marvel”?
Depending on how it is used, “marvel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “marvel” come from?
The word “marvel” comes from Latin. From Old French merveille ("a wonder"), from Latin mirabilia, "wonderful things" — the same root as "miracle" and "admire.".
Is “marvel” a common word?
“Marvel” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “marvel” have?
“Marvel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that causes wonder or amazement.
What is the difference between 'marvel' and 'miracle'?
A marvel is something that causes wonder or amazement, and it may be entirely natural or man-made. A miracle usually implies an event that seems to break the laws of nature, often with a supernatural or divine cause.
When is 'marvel' used as a verb rather than a noun?
As a noun, 'marvel' names a thing that causes wonder, as in 'the bridge is an engineering marvel.' As a verb, it means to feel or express great wonder, as in 'they marveled at the view.'
What preposition follows 'marvel' when it is a verb?
The verb 'marvel' is usually followed by 'at,' as in 'she marveled at his skill.' It can also be followed by 'that' before a clause, as in 'he marveled that anyone survived.'
What is the difference between 'marvel' and 'wonder'?
Both can describe amazement, but 'marvel' often stresses admiration for something impressive, while 'wonder' can also carry curiosity or questioning. As verbs, you marvel at something, whereas you can wonder about or wonder whether.
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