mar·vel [marvelmarvelsmarvelledmarveledmarvellingmarveling] noun, verb BrE [ˈmɑːvl] NAmE [ˈmɑːrvl] noun 1. a wonderful and surprising person or thing Syn: ↑wonder •the marvels of nature/technology 2.marvelsplural wonderful results or things that have been achieved Syn: ↑wonders •The doctors have done marvels for her.
Word Origin: Middle English (as a noun): from Old French merveille, from late Latin mirabilia, neuter plural of Latin mirabilis ‘wonderful’, from mirari ‘wonder at’.
Example Bank: •The building is an architectural marvel. •The design is a marvel of elegance and simplicity. •They were the greatest engineering marvels of the age.
verb (-ll-, US -l-)intransitive, transitive ~ (at sth) | ~ that… | + speech to be very surprised or impressed by sth •Everyone marvelled at his courage. Verb forms:
Word Origin: Middle English (as a noun): from Old French merveille, from late Latin mirabilia, neuter plural of Latin mirabilis ‘wonderful’, from mirari ‘wonder at’.
Example Bank: •Aiden couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity of the plan. •He marvelled at how easy it was to make money. •I never cease to marvel at his stupidity. •One can only marvel at the way the building has been constructed. •We all secretly marvel at his skill.
