n. & v.
--n.
1. an emotion excited by what is unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable, esp. surprise mingled with admiration or curiosity etc.
2 a strange or remarkable person or thing, specimen, event, etc.
3 (attrib.) having marvellous or amazing properties etc. (a wonder drug).
4 a surprising thing (it is a wonder you were not hurt).
--v.
1. intr. (often foll. by at, or to + infin.) be filled with wonder or great surprise.
2 tr. (foll. by that + clause) be surprised to find.
3 tr. desire or be curious to know (I wonder what the time is).
4 tr. expressing a tentative enquiry (I wonder whether you would mind?).
Phrases and idioms:
I shouldn't wonder colloq. I think it likely. I wonder I very much doubt it. no (or small) wonder (often foll. by that + clause) one cannot be surprised; one might have guessed; it is natural. the seven wonders of the world seven buildings and monuments regarded in antiquity as specially remarkable. wonder-struck (or -stricken) reduced to silence by wonder. wonders will never cease an exclamation of extreme (usu. agreeable) surprise. wonder-worker a person who performs wonders. work (or do) wonders
1. do miracles.
2 succeed remarkably.
Derivatives:
wonderer n.
Etymology: OE wundor, wundrian, of unkn. orig.