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Marvelous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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marvelous

[ˈmɑːrvələs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

amazing

causing great wonder; extraordinary

Synonyms

amazing, fantastic, incredible, wonderful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marvelous

Use in formal or slightly old-fashioned contexts to express something extraordinarily good or pleasing.

  • The dinner was absolutely marvelous.
  • She gave a marvelous performance in the play.
amazing

Use in any context to describe something that causes great surprise or wonder, often used colloquially.

  • The view from the top of the mountain is amazing.
  • She has done an amazing job on this project.
fantastic

Use in informal and enthusiastic situations to describe something extremely good or excellent.

  • We had a fantastic time at the concert.
  • Your new car looks fantastic.
incredible

Use to describe something that is hard to believe or extraordinarily impressive, also common in everyday speech.

  • The magician's tricks were simply incredible.
  • It's incredible how much progress you've made!
wonderful

Use in general contexts to express something that brings great pleasure or is very good.

  • They had a wonderful vacation in Hawaii.
  • Her kindness is truly wonderful.

Examples of usage

  • The view from the top of the mountain was truly marvelous.
  • She had a marvelous talent for painting.
Context #2 | Adjective

fascinating

extremely good or enjoyable

Synonyms

excellent, splendid, superb, terrific.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marvelous

Used to express amazement and admiration, often when something is surprisingly good.

  • The view from the top of the mountain is simply marvelous.
  • You did a marvelous job on this project.
excellent

Applied to situations or things that are extremely good in terms of quality, performance, or skill.

  • She received excellent grades on her report card.
  • The dinner was excellent, I really enjoyed it.
superb

Denotes something of very high quality, often used in reviewing food, art, or performances.

  • The chef prepared a superb meal for us.
  • Her acting in the play was absolutely superb.
splendid

Used to describe something very impressive, beautiful, or of high quality, often in a celebratory way.

  • They had a splendid time at the party.
  • What a splendid arrangement of flowers.
terrific

Generally implies something very good or wonderful, but can sometimes have a context of being overwhelmingly intense. Note: Can also have a slightly informal usage.

  • You did a terrific job on the presentation.
  • We had a terrific time at the amusement park.

Examples of usage

  • She prepared a marvelous meal for us.
  • The play was a marvelous success.
Context #3 | Adjective

impressive

having a quality that causes admiration or amazement

Synonyms

astonishing, breathtaking, remarkable, stunning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marvelous

Used to express something that is extremely good or enjoyable. Often used in a positive, enthusiastic context.

  • The party last night was simply marvelous! Her performance in the play was marvelous
remarkable

Used to describe something that is extraordinary or worthy of attention. Often emphasizes a notable feature or achievement.

  • His progress in the project has been remarkable
  • It's remarkable how well she handled the situation
astonishing

Used when something is so surprising that it is difficult to believe. Often highlights an element of surprise.

  • It's astonishing how quickly technology advances
  • The magician's tricks were truly astonishing
breathtaking

Used to describe something that is so beautiful it takes your breath away. Often used for scenery, views, or powerful moments.

  • The view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking
  • Her gown at the gala was breathtaking
stunning

Used to express beauty or something that makes a strong impression, often visual. Can also be used negatively in some contexts to mean shocking.

  • The art exhibit was filled with stunning works
  • Her sudden resignation was a stunning revelation

Examples of usage

  • The magician performed a marvelous trick.
  • The new technology is truly marvelous.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, the term is often used to describe extraordinary feats or characters.
  • Famous literary characters, like Alice from 'Alice in Wonderland,' encounter marvelous adventures that defy normal reality.
  • Many children's books employ the term to captivate readers with whimsical and imaginative settings.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'marvelous' is frequently used in movies and music to emphasize a sense of wonder or excitement.
  • Marvel Comics has popular characters like Spider-Man and Iron Man, contributing to the notion of the marvelous in heroism and adventure.
  • Reality talent shows often use the term to describe spectacular performances that leave audiences in awe.

Psychology

  • Experiencing marvelous moments can trigger the release of dopamine, making us feel happy and fulfilled.
  • Being in awe of something marvelous can lead to a sense of connectedness with the world and greater life satisfaction.
  • Marvellous experiences are linked to mindfulness, as they encourage us to live in the moment and appreciate beauty.

Art and Culture

  • Artworks that evoke feelings of wonder are often described as marvelous, capturing the imagination of the viewer.
  • Cultural festivals frequently showcase marvelous performances to highlight human creativity and talent.
  • Architectural masterpieces, like the Taj Mahal, are termed marvelous for their grandiosity and beauty.

Origin of 'marvelous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'maravilla,' which means 'a wonder or a marvel.'
  • In Middle English, 'marvelous' was used to describe something filled with wonder, often in a supernatural sense.
  • The word has evolved into the modern sense of being extraordinarily good or fantastic.

The word 'marvelous' originated from the Middle English 'merveillous', which came from the Old French 'merveillos'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something wonderful or extraordinary.

See also: marvellous, marvelously.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,809, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.