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Wonder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฒ
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wonder

[หˆwสŒndษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

feelings

desire or be curious to know something

Synonyms

ponder, question, reflect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wonder

Repeated entry, refer to the first 'wonder' context.
ponder

Use when you are thinking carefully or deeply about something, often for an extended period.

  • He pondered over the meaning of life.
  • She pondered the decision for hours before making up her mind.
question

Use when you are expressing doubts or seeking information. Sometimes it has a connotation of skepticism.

  • I question the accuracy of his statements.
  • She questioned her friend's motives for helping her.
reflect

Use when you are thinking deeply or carefully about past experiences or events.

  • He reflected on his childhood with a smile.
  • After the meeting, she took some time to reflect on the feedback she received.

Examples of usage

  • I wonder what time it is.
  • She wondered why he was late.
  • Have you ever wondered about the meaning of life?
Context #2 | Noun

amazement

a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable

Synonyms

amazement, astonishment, awe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wonder

Use this word when you are thinking about something that you find strange, curious, or beautiful. It is often used when questioning or considering something.

  • I wonder if it'll rain tomorrow
  • The children looked at the magician in wonder
amazement

This is used to express a strong feeling of surprise or shock, often in response to something new or unexpected.

  • She stared in amazement as the fireworks lit up the sky
  • His transformation was met with amazement by everybody
astonishment

Similar to amazement but often implies a more intense level of surprise, sometimes verging on disbelief.

  • The announcement left everyone in astonishment
  • Their victory was greeted with astonishment by the spectators
awe

This word indicates a feeling of deep respect, mixed with fear or wonder, often in response to something grand or powerful.

  • The tourists watched the sunset in awe
  • He felt a sense of awe when he stood before the ancient ruins

Examples of usage

  • The Grand Canyon filled me with wonder.
  • Her talent is a wonder to behold.
  • The child's eyes were wide with wonder.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosopher Socrates believed that wonder is the beginning of all knowledge; questioning the world leads to deeper understanding.
  • In the works of Aristotle, wonder is presented as a catalyst for scientific inquiry, pushing people to explore and discover.

Psychology

  • Feeling wonder can lead to increased creativity and open-mindedness, as it encourages one to explore new ideas.
  • Studies show that experiences of wonder can boost happiness and well-being, highlighting its importance in everyday life.

Literature

  • Many great authors, from Shakespeare to modern writers, have used the theme of wonder to captivate their readers and convey deeper meanings.
  • Childrenโ€™s literature often explores wonder in fantastical tales, igniting imagination and curiosity about the world.

Art

  • Artworks that inspire wonder often feature surreal or unexpected elements, transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary experiences.
  • The 'Sublime' in art refers to feelings of wonder mixed with fear or awesomeness, evoking deep emotional responses from viewers.

Origin of 'wonder'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'wundor', which meant a miraculous event or astonishing thing.
  • Related words in other languages, like 'wunder' in German and 'merveille' in French, show similar roots in expressing amazement.

The word 'wonder' originated from the Old English word 'wundrian', meaning to be amazed or astonished. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass both a verb meaning to desire knowledge and a noun referring to a feeling of amazement. The concept of wonder has been a fundamental aspect of human experience, inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a sense of awe in the face of the unknown.

See also: wonderful, wonderfully.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,347, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.