marvel

[mahr-vuhl]

noun

1. something that causes wonder, admiration, or astonishment; a wonderful thing; a wonder or prodigy.

   The new bridge is an engineering marvel.

2. Archaic.,  the feeling of wonder; astonishment.

verb (used with object)

marveled, marveling , marvelled, marvelling .

1. to wonder at (usually followed by a clause as object).

   I marvel that you were able to succeed against such odds.

2. to wonder or be curious about (usually followed by a clause as object).

   A child marvels that the stars can be.

verb (used without object)

marveled, marveling , marvelled, marvelling .

1. to be filled with wonder, admiration, or astonishment, as at something surprising or extraordinary.

   I marvel at your courage.

marvel

/ ˈmɑːvəl /

verb

1. to be filled with surprise or wonder

noun

1. something that causes wonder

2. archaic,  astonishment

Other Word Forms

• marvelment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of marvel¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English mervel, from Old French merveil(l)e, from Late Latin mīrābilia “marvels,” noun use of neuter plural of Latin mīrābilis “marvelous”; admirable

Word History and Origins

Origin of marvel¹

C13: from Old French merveille, from Late Latin mīrābilia, from Latin mīrābilis, from mīrārī to wonder at

Example Sentences

“The scary part was he was in real need of help,” said Charlie, marveling at how even someone with so much experience and training could fall into so much peril when separated from essentials.

From Los Angeles Times

A mother and her seven-year-old daughter, on holiday from the neighbouring province, marvel at the ships.

From BBC

Lee marveled at the new Oval Office decor and praised the personal rapport that the US president has with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

From BBC

"It's the biggest number of people that I ever played. It's a lot," marvels Mendonça.

From BBC

The move is much more than an engineering marvel for local residents - it's a deeply emotional moment.

From BBC

Related Words

• genius 
• miracle