Definition and meaning of English word "wonder"
wonder
/ˈwʌndər/
Meaning
VerbTo be affected with surprise or admiration; to be struck with astonishment; to be amazed; to marvel; often followed by at.
How to use
In formal writing, 'wonder' is often used in the passive voice to convey a sense of awe or amazement, e.g. 'The tourists were left wondering at the grandeur of the ancient ruins.' However, in informal contexts, it's common to use the active voice, e.g. 'I wonder what's behind that door.' Learners often mistake 'wonder' for 'be surprised', but the two verbs have distinct connotations: 'wonder' implies a deeper sense of curiosity or admiration.
🇬🇧 English
wonder
Example
I wonder what will happen next.
I wonder how she managed to do it.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- wonder at— to look at something with great surprise or admiration
- wonder why— to try to understand the reason for something
- wonder how— to try to understand the method or process of something
- wonder what— to try to understand the nature or identity of something
- wonder when— to try to understand the time or schedule of something
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #199 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "wonder" mean?▼
The English word "wonder" means "wonder" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "wonder"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "wonder" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "wonder"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Used to express surprise or amazement." (which translates as "wonder").
More Extended Verbs words
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