wonder

Everyday

1. To wonder is to think about something and want to know the answer. tree →
2. Wonder is a feeling of surprise and amazement at something beautiful or strange. tree →
3. A wonder is something amazing, like the wonders of the world. tree →
4. «No wonder» means it is not surprising. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons pupils are encouraged to wonder: asking «I wonder why…» starts an investigation. In history the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are famous buildings. In stories characters stare in wonder. Polite requests use «I wonder if you could…». Phrases: I wonder, wonder about, no wonder, in wonder, the wonders of, wonder if.

Examples

• I wonder why the sky is blue. tree →
• She wondered where her cat had gone. tree →
• The children looked at the stars in wonder. tree →
• The pyramids are one of the wonders of the world. tree →
• You didn't sleep — no wonder you are tired! tree →
• I wonder if you could help me. tree →
• He wondered about the strange noise. tree →
• The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder. tree →

Note

Verb is regular (wondered). Do not confuse «wonder» (to think about) with «wander» (to walk without a plan) — they look and sound alike. After «I wonder» use the normal statement order: «I wonder where he is», not «where is he». «Wonderful» means very good.

In Jewish tradition

A wonder is a miracle or a sign of God's power, such as the plagues in Egypt. The psalms speak of God's wonders, and one speaker says he is himself "a wonder" to many, meaning a marvel or a warning.

Interpretation. Tradition reads "signs and wonders" as the miracles at the Exodus, which Jews remember each Passover. The psalms' wonders are read as reasons to praise God.

Examples

• the great trials which thine eyes saw, the signs and those great wonders; (Torah DEU.29.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. (Torah EXO.7.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever; (Torah DEU.28.46, JPS 1917) tree →
• Wilt Thou work wonders for the dead? (Writings PSA.88.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• How great are His signs! and how mighty are His wonders! (Writings DAN.3.33, JPS 1917) tree →
• I am as a wonder unto many; but Thou art my strong refuge. (Writings PSA.71.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Verb is regular (wondered). Do not confuse «wonder» (to think about) with «wander» (to walk without a plan) — they look and sound alike. After «I wonder» use the normal statement order: «I wonder where he is», not «where is he». «Wonderful» means very good.