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

Within this urban setting, Smith often paused to marvel at nature.

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In the years following, the construction of the architectural marvel was managed by the Sagrada Família foundation, and funded by contributions from tourists, visitors and private donors.

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I marveled at how those marks of piety remained, just an hour away from the Rooms hotel’s sleek pool deck.

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Underlings have long marveled at his indefatigable work ethic.

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Admiring fans of the show marvel at how closely the actor mimics the details of Isbell’s physicality as she screams and swings at Dahmer, requiring court officers to restrain her.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• genius 
• miracle