wonder

won|der1 [ `wʌndər ] verb ***

1. ) intransitive or transitive to think about something because you want to know more facts or details about it:

How did they find out? she wondered.

wonder about: I was wondering about the best way to tell her the news.

wonder how/what/when etc.: I wonder what we can do to help Sujata.

wonder if/whether: I wonder if they'll get married.

a ) to think about someone or something because you have doubts or are worried about them:

wonder about: I wonder about him sometimes, I really do.

wonder whether/if/how etc.: I wonder whether it was wise to let her travel alone.

2. ) intransitive to admire someone or something and feel surprised by how beautiful or unusual they are:

wonder at: It's hard not to wonder at the miracle of a newborn baby.

I wonder if/whether SPOKEN

a polite way of asking someone for something such as information or their opinion, or asking them to do something:

I was wondering whether you would like to come to the theater with me?

I wonder if you would do me a favor?

wonder

won|der 2 [ `wʌndər ] noun MAINLY LITERARY **

uncount a feeling of surprise, admiration, or pleasure that you get, for example when you have seen something very unusual or beautiful:

Where is the sense of wonder we felt when we were younger?

Her eyes were wide with wonder and awe.

in wonder: She gazed at the ocean in wonder.

a. count something that makes you have this feeling:

the wonders of modern technology

Coral reefs are among the natural wonders of the world.

b. count someone whom you admire because they can do something difficult:

Charles, you're a wonder you always stay so calm!

=> BOY WONDER

do/work wonders

to have a very good effect on someone or something:

I wonder if/whether for: Fresh air and exercise do wonders for health and fitness.

I wonder if/whether with: They have worked wonders with kids that other schools had rejected.

is it any wonder (that)?

used for emphasizing that a particular situation or result is not surprising:

With such talented players, is it any wonder they won?

it's a wonder SPOKEN

used for saying that something is so bad that it is surprising that a good result can come from it:

Your writing is so small, it's a wonder anyone can read it.

(it's) little/no/small wonder (that)

used for showing that you are not surprised by a particular situation or event:

With someone trying to sell you things every time you pick up the phone, it's no wonder people screen their calls.

will wonders never cease? HUMOROUS

used for saying that you are very surprised and happy about something

wonder

won|der 3 [ `wʌndər ] adjective only before noun

extremely good, unusual, beautiful, or effective:

wonder drugs such as Prozac