wonder
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to think about something because you want to know more about it or you are not sure about it.
v.to ponder or feel curiosity about something; to query a matter in one's mind.
Simple“I wonder why the shop is closed so early today.”
In context“Economists wonder whether the recent shift in consumer spending is a temporary reaction or a permanent change in market behaviour.”
UsageOften followed by 'if', 'whether', or question words like 'why' and 'how'.
PitfallI am wondering if to go. I am wondering whether to go.When 'wonder' is followed by a choice or doubt, use 'whether' or 'if' with a full clause, not an infinitive.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to feel very surprised or full of admiration for something.
v.to be affected by surprise or admiration; to marvel at a specific stimulus.
Simple“Visitors often wonder at the size of the ancient cathedral.”
In context“The researchers could only wonder at the complexity of the neural pathways they were observing for the first time.”
UsageUsually takes the preposition 'at'.
Synonymsmarvelgape - 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a feeling of surprise and admiration, often because something is beautiful or new.
n.a state of awe or admiration inspired by something beautiful, unexpected, or inexplicable.
Simple“The children looked at the fireworks with wonder in their eyes.”
In context“The sheer scale of the mountain range filled the hikers with a sense of wonder that stayed with them for years.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 B1 Intermediate
n.something that is very impressive, beautiful, or surprising.
n.an object, person, or event that causes amazement or great admiration.
Simple“The Great Wall of China is one of the wonders of the world.”
In context“The new medical treatment is a wonder of modern science, saving lives that would have been lost a decade ago.”
Synonyms - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a quick thought or a moment of thinking about something.
n.a brief period of mental pondering or a casual thought.
Simple“I'll have a wonder about where we should go for dinner.”
In context“After having a quiet wonder about the proposal, she decided to ask for more specific details before signing.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is specifically British and very informal; 'have a think' is a more common alternative in the same register.