Miracle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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miracle

[ˈmɪrək(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in everyday life

A miracle is an extraordinary and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to a divine agency.

Synonyms

marvel, phenomenon, wonder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
miracle

Miracle is used to describe an extraordinary event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to a divine agency.

  • It's a miracle that she survived the accident.
  • The recovery of the lost child was nothing short of a miracle.
wonder

Wonder expresses a feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar. It is often used to convey a sense of curiosity and awe.

  • She felt a sense of wonder as she gazed at the night sky.
  • The child looked at the magician with wonder.
marvel

Marvel refers to something that causes wonder or astonishment, usually because it is very impressive or unusual. It's often used to talk about human achievements or natural beauty.

  • The new technology is a marvel of modern engineering.
  • Tourists marvel at the ancient architecture.
phenomenon

Phenomenon is used to describe something that is observed to happen or exist, especially something whose cause or explanation is in question. It is often used in scientific or academic contexts.

  • The northern lights are a natural phenomenon.
  • The scientist studied the phenomenon of magnetism.

Examples of usage

  • It was a miracle that she survived the accident.
  • The doctor said it was a miracle that the patient recovered so quickly.
Context #2 | Noun

in religion

In religious contexts, a miracle is often seen as a sign of God's intervention in the world.

Synonyms

divine intervention, supernatural event.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
miracle

This word is often used to describe an extraordinary event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws. It is often associated with positive outcomes and is used in both religious and non-religious contexts.

  • The doctors said her recovery was a miracle.
  • It's a miracle how he survived that accident.
divine intervention

Typically used in a religious context, this phrase implies that a deity has intervened in the human world to alter circumstances. It's usually used to describe a significant change or rescue from a dire situation.

  • Many believed that the inexplicable avoidance of disaster was due to divine intervention.
  • She prayed for divine intervention to help her family in a time of crisis.
supernatural event

This term is used to describe occurrences that go beyond the laws of nature and are often associated with paranormal phenomena. It can have a neutral or slightly eerie connotation.

  • The sudden appearance of the ghostly figure was considered a supernatural event.
  • People gathered to witness what some called a supernatural event, hoping to see something unexplainable.

Examples of usage

  • The Bible is full of stories of miracles performed by Jesus.
  • The miracle of the loaves and fishes is a well-known story from the New Testament.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Religion and Spirituality

  • Many religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, describe miracles as signs of divine power.
  • In Christian texts, events such as turning water into wine are considered pivotal miracles that symbolize transformation.

Psychology

  • The concept of miracles can trigger feelings of hope and positivity in individuals, often associated with coping mechanisms during tough times.
  • Experiencing what one perceives as a miracle can enhance personal faith or belief systems.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often depict miracles as key plot points, illustrating the triumph of good over evil or the power of love.
  • Popular songs frequently celebrate miraculous moments, from unexpected reunions to sudden success.

Science

  • While science often explains extraordinary occurrences through natural laws, some phenomena still inspire people to describe them as miraculous.
  • The study of phenomena like spontaneous remission in medicine sometimes evokes spiritual interpretation among individuals.

Origin of 'miracle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'miraculum,' which means 'to wonder' or 'to marvel.'
  • In Old French, 'miracle' was borrowed to express extraordinary events believed to be caused by divine intervention.

The word 'miracle' comes from the Latin word 'miraculum', meaning 'wonderful thing' or 'marvel'. The concept of miracles has been a part of human belief systems for centuries, with different religions and cultures attributing miraculous events to divine or supernatural forces. Miracles have played a significant role in the development of religious traditions and continue to be a source of wonder and inspiration for many people.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,821 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.