English Reference

Word

marvelous

Phoneticsmar·velous

/ˈmɑɹvəɫəs/

UK spelling · marvellous

Definition

adj. very good, impressive, or wonderful. You use it to show strong approval or admiration for something.

adj. extremely good, impressive, or pleasing; worthy of admiration. Often used for emphasis in positive descriptions.

Examples

“The view from the top was marvelous.”

“We had a marvelous time at the beach last weekend.”

“The restoration of the ancient cathedral was a marvelous achievement, preserving centuries of history for future generations.”

Examples

simple

“The view from the top was marvelous.”

contextual

“We had a marvelous time at the beach last weekend.”

complex

“The restoration of the ancient cathedral was a marvelous achievement, preserving centuries of history for future generations.”

Etymology

First attested from 1300 as Middle English merveilous, from Old French merveillus, from merveille (“a wonder”), equivalent to marvel + -ous.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

ADJECTIVE

marvelous(B1)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference