wonder

¹won·der

noun \ˈwən-dər\

Definition of WONDER

1

a : a cause of astonishment or admiration : marvel <it's a wonder you weren't killed> <the pyramid is a wonder to behold>

b : miracle

2

: the quality of exciting amazed admiration

3

a : rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience

b : a feeling of doubt or uncertainty

Examples of WONDER

1. The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world.
2. This new computer is a technological wonder.
3. The child's eyes were filled with wonder during the trip to the circus.
4. We watched the fireworks show with wonder and amazement.
5. She gazed up at the tall buildings in wonder.
6. Is it any wonder why this movie is so popular?

Origin of WONDER

Middle English, from Old English wundor; akin to Old High German wuntar wonder

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WONDER

Synonyms

caution, flash, marvel, miracle, phenomenon, portent, prodigy, sensation, splendor

Related Words

curiosity, sight, spectacle; beauty, corker, crackerjack (also crackajack), dandy, jim-dandy, knockout; apparition, appearance

Near Antonyms

apathy, disinterest, incuriosity, indifference, unconcern; boredom, doldrums, ennui, listlessness, restlessness, tedium, tiredness, weariness, weltschmerz; cheerlessness, dispiritedness, joylessness, melancholy

Rhymes with WONDER

Bandar, blunder, funder, plunder, sunder, thunder, under

²wonder

verb

won·deredwon·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of WONDER

intransitive verb

1

a : to be in a state of wonder

b : to feel surprise

2

: to feel curiosity or doubt <wondering about the future>

transitive verb

: to be curious or in doubt about <wonders why birds sing>

— won·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

Examples of WONDER

1. Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue?
2. Who could that be at the door, I wonder?
3. She wondered aloud what to do with the money.
4. I was wondering about that.
5. Sometimes his behavior makes me wonder.

First Known Use of WONDER

before 12th century

³wonder

adjective

Definition of WONDER

: wondrous, wonderful: as

a : exciting amazement or admiration <wonder toys>

b : effective or efficient far beyond anything previously known or anticipated <a wonder fabric>

First Known Use of WONDER

12th century

Won·der

biographical name \ˈwən-dər\

Definition of WONDER

Stevie 1950–     born Stevland Hardaway Judkins Am. singer, songwriter & instrumentalist