Wonderment: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Middle English 'wonderement,' which relates to the verb 'wonder,' meaning to marvel at something.
• Its roots can be traced back to the Old English 'wundor,' which meant 'marvel' or 'strange occurrence.'
• The suffix '-ment' indicates a state or condition, turning 'wonder' into a noun that describes the feeling of being in wonder.

Psychology

• Experiencing wonderment can lead to increased feelings of happiness and fulfillment, enhancing overall well-being.
• Studies suggest that feelings of wonder can help people develop a more open-minded perspective and increase creativity.
• Wonderment often occurs in moments of awe, like witnessing a breathtaking landscape, which studies show can temporarily alter our sense of time.

Art and Literature

• Many great works of art aim to evoke wonderment, capturing moments of beauty and awe in paintings and sculptures.
• In literature, authors often use descriptions that inspire wonderment to engage readers, creating vivid images in their minds.
• Children’s stories frequently revolve around themes that inspire wonderment, encouraging imagination and curiosity.

Science

• Wonderment drives scientific inquiry; many discoveries are born from the desire to understand the unknown.
• Astronomy fosters a sense of wonderment, as stargazing can invoke feelings of connection to the universe and our place within it.
• Nature’s phenomena, such as bioluminescence in deep-sea creatures, inspire wonderment and curiosity among scientists and enthusiasts alike.

Culture

• Various cultures celebrate wonderment through festivals, such as fireworks displays on national holidays that leave audiences in awe.
• In many traditional stories and folk tales, characters often embark on adventurous quests that lead to moments of wonderment and discovery.
• The feeling of wonderment is central to many religious experiences, where believers may feel awe in the presence of the divine or sublime.

At rank #25,434, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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