adj A2 Elementary Uncommon

marvelous

MAH-vuh-luhs

Marvelous (adj) means causing wonder or astonishment; excellent or delightful. Example: “The view from the summit was marvelous.”

adj

Causing wonder or astonishment; excellent or delightful.

"The view from the summit was marvelous."

"It was a marvelous performance from start to finish."

How to use marvelous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWonderful or amazing — the standard American spelling of "marvellous."

UK vs US

"Marvelous" (single L) is the American spelling; British English uses "marvellous."

Easily confused with

marvellous →

Word forms

more marvelous comparative, most marvelous superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The view from the summit was _____.

Etymology

From Old French merveillus, from merveille ("a wonder") — the same root as "marvel."

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for marvelous

yous nous pious joyous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tedious spurious

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Frequently asked questions

What does “marvelous” mean?

The word “marvelous” means causing wonder or astonishment; excellent or delightful. In plain terms, wonderful or amazing — the standard American spelling of "marvellous.".

How do you pronounce “marvelous”?

“Marvelous” is pronounced MAH-vuh-luhs (/ˈmɑɹvələs/ in IPA).

How do you use “marvelous” in a sentence?

Here is “marvelous” used in a sentence: “The view from the summit was marvelous.”

What part of speech is “marvelous”?

“Marvelous” is an adjective.

Where does the word “marvelous” come from?

The word “marvelous” comes from Old French. From Old French merveillus, from merveille ("a wonder") — the same root as "marvel.".

Is “marvelous” a common word?

“Marvelous” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.