Marvel Meaning
/ˈmɑːvəl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThat which causes wonder; a prodigy; a portent.
nounWonder, astonishment.
Sentence Examples
I marvel how you could agree to the proposal.
It is a marvel that he should say so.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Scientists ____ at the incredible complexity of the newly discovered microscopic organism.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Architects from around the world came to ____ at the engineering of the new skyscraper.
Word Origin & History
First attested from 1300, from Middle English merveile, from Old French merveille (“a wonder”), from Vulgar Latin *miribilia, from Latin mīrābilia (“wonderful things”), from neuter plural of mīrābilis (“strange, wonderful”), from mīror (“to wonder at”), from mīrus (“wonderful”). Doublet of mirabilia.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The mysteries of this wonderful universe rise more palpable upon the departing spirit, so soon to mingle with their marvels."
— 1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XXIV, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume II, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), →OCLC, page 261:
"He found ways to film fiery, elaborate car-wrecks, keeping everything visually clear and beautiful without killing or even seriously injuring anyone. On a sheer technical level, the movie is a marvel."
— 2017 December 1, Tom Breihan, “Mad Max: Fury Road might already be the best action movie ever made”, in The Onion AV Club:
"No maruel though you bite so sharp at reasons,"
— c. 1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Troylus and Cressida”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene ii]:
"You read not any where that Eſau had faith, no not ſo much as a little: Therefore no marvel, if where, the fleſh only bears ſway […]"
— 1678, John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World, to That which is to Come: […], London: […] Nath[aniel] Ponder […], →OCLC, page 171:
"Use lessens marvel."
— 1805, Walter Scott, “(please specify the page)”, in The Lay of the Last Minstrel: A Poem, London: […] [James Ballantyne] for Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, […], and A[rchibald] Constable and Co., […], →OCLC:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Scientists ____ at the incredible complexity of the newly discovered microscopic organism.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Architects from around the world came to ____ at the engineering of the new skyscraper.