Marvel

/ˈmɑːrvəl/

verbmedium📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To be filled with wonder or astonishment.

/ˈmɑːrvəl/

verbpositivemedium
General

To feel surprise and admiration.

We marveled at the skill of the acrobats.

💡 Simply: To look at something or someone and think, 'Wow, that's amazing!' Like when you see a really cool magic trick or a stunning sunset. It's that feeling of being impressed and a little bit surprised.

👶 For kids: To think something is super cool and amazing!

More Examples

2

Tourists marvel at the ancient ruins.

3

She marveled at the intricate details of the painting.

How It's Used

General

"People marvel at the beauty of the Grand Canyon."

Science

"Scientists marvel at the complexity of the human brain."

2

A wonderful or astonishing thing.

/ˈmɑːrvəl/

nounpositivemedium
Arts

Something that causes wonder or admiration.

The pyramids are ancient marvels.

💡 Simply: Something so incredible or impressive that it makes you say 'Wow!' Like a really cool invention or a beautiful piece of art. It's something you can't help but be amazed by.

👶 For kids: A really, really cool thing!

More Examples

2

The new technology was a marvel of modern engineering.

3

Her kindness was a marvel to behold.

How It's Used

Literature

"The Eiffel Tower is considered a marvel of engineering."

General

"The Grand Canyon is a natural marvel."

Tip:Think of a *marvel* as something that makes you *marvel* (verb).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

a marvel of something

Something that is extremely impressive or skillful.

"The new bridge is a marvel of engineering."

marvel at something

To be filled with wonder and admiration.

"We marveled at the beauty of the sunset."

From Middle English *merveillen*, from Old French *merveillier* ('to wonder at'), from Latin *mirabilia* ('wonderful things'), plural of *mirabile* ('wonderful').

The word "marvel" has been used since the 13th century to describe things that inspire wonder and amazement.

Memory tip

Imagine a *marvel* comic book – the characters and stories often fill you with wonder!

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to wonder at"

a natural marvela true marvelmarvel atmarvel of engineering

Common misspellings

marvalmarvil

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written