marvel

marvel — verb

1. to be filled with wonder and appreciation when seeing or learning about somethin

1.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to be filled with wonder and appreciation when seeing or learning about something remarkable, beautiful, or extraordinary

Example

Hao stood at the edge of the canyon and marveled at its enormous size.

marvel at [noun phrase] — feeling admiration for something seen

Selim marveled that no one had been hurt in the serious car crash.

marvel + that-clause — surprise at a situation

Common collocations
  • marvel at something
  • marvel that…
  • marvel at how / why / what…
  • marvel at the sight / beauty / skill / speed of something
Synonyms
  • wonder

    less strong, can express curiosity or puzzlement rather than admiration

  • be amazed

    stronger element of surprise, often at something unexpected rather than beautiful

  • be astonished

    very strong surprise, sometimes including disbelief, less focused on admiration

Grammar Patterns

marvel at [something]

marvel that [clause]

marvel at how/why/what [clause]

Usage Note

This verb is never used transitively — the object of admiration must be introduced by the preposition 'at' or a clause (that / how / why / what). Common in written and formal contexts; in casual conversation, 'be amazed at' or 'can't believe' are more frequent.

Common Mistakes

I marveled his courage.
I marveled at his courage.
'marvel' is intransitive and needs the preposition 'at' before the object.
She marvels the painting.
She marvels at the painting.
Same rule: always use 'at' before the thing you are admiring.

marvel — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four expressions describe a reaction to something surprising or impressive, but they differ in tone and intensity. 'Marvel at' suggests thoughtful admiration — you pause to appreciate something beautiful, skilful, or remarkable (e.g., 'Theo marveled at the intricate carvings on the temple walls'). 'Wonder at' is broader and can include curiosity or puzzlement as well as admiration ('The children wondered at the strange noise in the attic'). 'Be amazed at' carries a stronger element of surprise, often at something unexpected ('Stephanie was amazed at how much the city had changed in five years'). 'Be astonished at' conveys very strong disbelief or shock — it is the most intense of the four ('The doctors were astonished at the patient's sudden recovery'). For learners, 'marvel at' is the best choice when the focus is on respectful admiration rather than mere surprise.

marvel atwonder at ↗be amazed atbe astonished at

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • marvel at the sight of
  • the marvels of
  • a marvel to behold

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'marvel' entered English through Old French 'merveille', meaning 'a wonder', which came from Latin 'mirabilis' (wonderful, amazing), itself rooted in 'mirari' — 'to wonder at'. This ancient root also gave English the words 'miracle', 'mirror' (something to be wondered at), and 'admire'. The journey from Latin to modern English reflects how ideas of wonder and admiration have been central to human language for thousands of years.