marvel
B2Standard formal and informal. More common in positive, descriptive, or expressive contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A wonderful or astonishing thing; to be filled with wonder or astonishment.
The term can function as both a noun for an object of admiration or awe, and as a verb for the act of experiencing such wonder. It often implies exceeding ordinary expectations or encountering something remarkable.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun is often preceded by indefinite articles ('a marvel', 'every marvel'). The verb commonly patterns with 'at' (marvel at) or is used transitively in more formal/literary contexts. It carries a positive connotation, though can be used ironically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or grammatical use. Minor differences exist in typical collocations with regional vocabulary.
Connotations
In both, it conveys awe. Slightly more likely to appear in British historical or literary contexts, while in American English it is strongly associated with the entertainment company 'Marvel' (comics, films).
Frequency
Comparable frequency. The proper noun 'Marvel' is far more frequent in contemporary American media discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] to marvel at [NP][verb] (that) [clause][verb] [NP] (literary/archaic)[noun] of [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a marvel to behold”
- “the eighth wonder/marvel of the world”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in marketing hyperbole (e.g., 'this device is a marvel of efficiency').
Academic
Used in history, art, and literature to describe artifacts, works, or natural phenomena (e.g., 'the marvels of ancient Roman engineering').
Everyday
Common for expressing admiration (e.g., 'The kids marvelled at the fireworks', 'Her recovery was a marvel').
Technical
Very rare, except in specific fields like engineering or biology as a descriptive, non-technical term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Visitors never fail to marvel at the height of the cathedral's spire.
- I marvelled that such a small device could hold so much data.
American English
- We stood marveling at the Grand Canyon's vast colors.
- She marveled at how quickly the team completed the project.
adverb
British English
- The adverb form is 'marvellously'. The plan worked out marvellously well.
American English
- The adverb form is 'marvelously'. The new software functions marvelously.
adjective
British English
- The adjective form is 'marvellous'. She did a marvellous job organising the fête.
American English
- The adjective form is 'marvelous'. It was a marvelous performance by the local theatre group.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The magician's trick was a marvel.
- The children marvelled at the big Christmas tree.
- The smartphone is a technological marvel we now take for granted.
- I marvel at her ability to stay calm in a crisis.
- The bio-engineered coral reef stands as a marvel of modern science.
- Archaeologists marvelled at the intricate craftsmanship of the unearthed jewellery.
- One can only marvel at the sheer audacity of the political manoeuvre, however dubious its ethics.
- The novel is less a plot-driven narrative and more a marvel of linguistic virtuosity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MARVEL as MARble + VELvet – both are materials associated with luxury and wonder, things you might 'marvel' at.
Conceptual Metaphor
WONDER IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (e.g., 'a marvel of science'), BEING AMAZED IS BEING FILLED (e.g., 'filled with marvel').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'марвел' (the brand name). The noun 'marvel' is closer to 'чудо' or 'диво', not 'удивление' (which is 'surprise'). The verb is best translated as 'восхищаться', 'поражаться', 'дивиться'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'marvel' as a direct synonym for 'surprise' (it's stronger). Incorrect preposition: 'I marvel for the view' (correct: 'I marvel at the view'). Using it as a countable noun without an article: 'It is marvel' (correct: 'It is a marvel').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'marvel' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Overwhelmingly positive. It describes something causing wonder and admiration. It can be used ironically in negative contexts (e.g., 'It's a marvel he remembered anything'), but this still plays on the positive core meaning.
As nouns, they are often synonyms. However, 'marvel' typically implies something more astonishing or admirable, often with a sense of awe. 'Wonder' can be more general, including curiosity about the unknown. As verbs, 'marvel' is specifically about admiration/astonishment, while 'wonder' is about thinking/questioning.
Most commonly as an intransitive verb with the preposition 'at': 'They marvelled at the sunset.' It can also be used transitively with a clause, often starting with 'that', 'how', or 'at': 'I marvel that you can work in such noise.' The direct object use ('I marvel her courage') is now archaic.
No, the common noun remains unchanged. However, in contemporary usage, especially among younger speakers, the first association might be with superheroes. In writing, context makes the distinction clear (lowercase vs. capital M).