WONDER

n. v. a. adv.

6 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
n.

That emotion which is excited by novelty, or the presentation to the sight or mind of something new, unusual, strange, great, extraordinary, or not well understood; surprise; astonishment; admiration; amazement. They were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. Acts iii. 10. Wonder is the effect of novelty upon ignorance. Johnson.

2.
n.

A cause of wonder; that which excites surprise; a strange thing; a prodigy; a miracle. " Babylon, the wonder of all tongues." Milton. To try things oft, and never to give over, doth wonders. Bacon. I am as a wonder unto many. Ps. lxxi. 7. Seven wonders of the world. See in the Dictionary of Noted Names in Fiction.

3.
v.

To be affected with 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.

4.
v.

To feel doubt and curiosity; to wait with uncertain expectation; to query in the mind; as, he wondered why they came. I wonder, in my soul, What you would ask me, that I should deny. Shak.

5.
a.

Wonderful. [Obs.] Gower. After that he said a wonder thing. Chaucer.

6.
adv.

Wonderfully. [Obs.] Chaucer.


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