wonder-worker
LowFormal, Literary, Ecclesiastical, Figurative
Definition
Meaning
A person who is believed to perform miracles or deeds of an amazing, seemingly magical nature.
A person with an extraordinary ability to achieve remarkable results, especially in a difficult or seemingly impossible situation. Often used figuratively for someone exceptionally skilled or effective.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically tied to religious or miraculous contexts (saints, prophets). Modern figurative use implies exceptional skill, but retains an aura of the extraordinary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage difference. The hyphenated form 'wonder-worker' is standard, though 'wonder worker' (open) is also accepted.
Connotations
In both, the primary connotation is of miraculous power or astonishing effectiveness.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, though it may appear slightly more in British texts discussing historical or hagiographic topics.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[wonder-worker] of [place/group] (e.g., wonder-worker of the East)be hailed as a [wonder-worker]the [wonder-worker] who [past action]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A wonder-worker with numbers/spreadsheets.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Figuratively, for a CEO or manager who turns a company around miraculously (e.g., 'the new CFO is a financial wonder-worker').
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or literature contexts to describe saints or mythical figures.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used humorously or hyperbolically (e.g., 'You fixed my phone? You're a wonder-worker!').
Technical
Not applicable in scientific/technical registers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The story described a wonder-worker who healed the sick.
- My grandma is a wonder-worker in the kitchen.
- The new coach was hailed as a wonder-worker after the team's stunning victory.
- Medieval legends are full of saints who were celebrated as wonder-workers.
- Despite being dismissed as a populist, her economic policies had the transformative impact of a political wonder-worker.
- The biography sought to separate the historical figure from the myth of the infallible wonder-worker.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WORKER who performs WONDERS, like miracles or amazing feats.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXTRAORDINARY TALENT IS MIRACLE-WORKING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'чудо-работник' – it is nonsensical. The correct equivalent is 'чудотворец'.
- Figurative use ('wizard') might be better translated as 'волшебник' or 'гений' in context, not literally 'чудотворец'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'wounder-worker'.
- Using it to describe ordinary competence instead of extraordinary, near-miraculous skill.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'wonder-worker' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The hyphenated form is most common and recommended, but 'wonder worker' (open compound) is also accepted in many dictionaries.
Typically, it carries a positive connotation. A negative portrayal would more likely use 'charlatan' or 'fraud' while perhaps referencing a 'so-called wonder-worker'.
They are virtually synonymous. 'Miracle-worker' is slightly more common in modern figurative use, while 'wonder-worker' can sound more formal or archaic.
No, the verb form 'to wonder-work' is obsolete and not in standard modern use.