marvell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal or literary; used in both spoken and written contexts, but more common in writing.
Quick answer
What does “marvell” mean?
to be filled with wonder, astonishment, or admiration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to be filled with wonder, astonishment, or admiration; to wonder at something.
Something or someone that causes wonder or astonishment; an astonishing or extraordinary thing or person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are identical. The spelling of related words like 'marvellous' (UK) vs. 'marvelous' (US) follows regional patterns.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “marvell” in a Sentence
to marvel at [something]It is a marvel that [clause][Subject] is a marvel of [quality]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marvell” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Visitors never fail to marvel at the ancient architecture.
- He marvelled at her ability to remain calm.
American English
- We marveled at the Grand Canyon's immense scale.
- She marvels at how technology has changed daily life.
adverb
British English
- The engine performed marvellously under extreme conditions.
- She sang marvellously well.
American English
- The plan worked out marvelously for everyone involved.
- He recovered marvelously quickly from surgery.
adjective
British English
- The marvellous performance received a standing ovation.
- It was a truly marvellous achievement.
American English
- We had a marvelous time on vacation.
- The results were simply marvelous.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically to describe an exceptionally successful product or strategy ('the new model is a marketing marvel').
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or art criticism contexts to describe remarkable achievements or artefacts.
Everyday
Used to express strong admiration for things or skills ('I marvel at how you manage it all').
Technical
Not typical in highly technical fields unless used figuratively ('a marvel of miniaturisation').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “marvell”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “marvell”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marvell”
- Incorrectly using 'marvel' as a direct synonym for 'like' (e.g., 'I marvel it' instead of 'I marvel at it'). Confusing noun and verb forms in sentence structure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is overwhelmingly positive, expressing wonder and admiration.
As verbs, 'marvel' is stronger, focused on astonished admiration. 'Wonder' can be milder and more about curiosity. As nouns, they are often synonyms.
As a verb, it is usually followed by 'at' + object (e.g., 'We marvelled at the view'). As a noun, it often follows 'a' and a descriptor (e.g., 'an engineering marvel').
Yes, the comic company's name was chosen for its meaning of 'something causing wonder', like its superheroes.
to be filled with wonder, astonishment, or admiration.
Marvell is usually formal or literary; used in both spoken and written contexts, but more common in writing. in register.
Marvell: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːv(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːrvəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a marvel to behold”
- “the eighth wonder/marvel of the world”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine MARVEL Comics: you feel WONDER and AMAZEMENT reading about superheroes. The word 'marvel' itself creates that feeling.
Conceptual Metaphor
WONDER IS A PHYSICAL REACTION (e.g., 'I was struck with marvel', 'it took my breath away').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the core meaning of 'marvel' as a verb?