Wonder

(wŭn'der), n. [A-S. wunder, wundor, O. Sax. wunder, wundar, D. wonder, O. H. Ger. wunter, wuntar, N. H. Ger. wunder, Icel. undur, Sw. & Dan. under.]

1Sense 1. That emotion which is excited by novelty, or the presentation to the sight or mind of something new, unusual, strange, great, extraordinary, and not well understood; surprise; astonishment; admiration; amazement.

They were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened. Acts iii. 10.

Wonder is the effect of novelty upon ignorance. Johnson.

☞ Wonder expresses less than astonishment, and much less than amazement. It differs from admiration in not being necessarily accompanied with love, esteem, or approbation.

2Sense 2. Cause of wonder; that which excites surprise; a strange thing; a prodigy; a miracle. “Babylon, the wonder of all tongues.” Milton.

I am as a wonder unto many. Ps. lxxi. 7.

To try things oft, and never to give over, doth wonders. Bacon.

Seven wonders of the world, the Egyptian pyramids, the mausoleum erected by Artemisia, the temple of Diana at Ephesus, the walls and hanging gardens of Babylon, the Colossus at Rhodes, the statue of Jupiter Olympius, and the Pharos or watch-tower of Alexandria.

(wŭn'der), v. i. [imp. & p. p. WONDERED; p. pr. & vb. n. WONDERING.] [A-S. wundrian, wyndrian, O. Sax. wundron, D. wunderen, O. H. Ger. wuntaron, N. H. Ger. wundern, Dan. undre, Sw. undra.]

1Sense 1. To be affected by surprise or admiration; to be struck with astonishment; to be amazed; to marvel.

I could not sufficiently wonder at the intrepidity of these diminutive mortals. Swift.

We cease to wonder at what we understand. Johnson.

2Sense 2. To feel doubt and curiosity; to wait with uncertain expectation.

I wonder, in my soul, What you would ask me that I would deny. Shak.

Wonderfully. [Obs. and rare.]