What is wonder? Pronunciation and usage in English

wonder means . Learn how to pronounce and use wonder through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of wonder

wondernoun/verb

/ˈwʌndə/
Definition & pronunciation of wonder

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "wonder" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's a breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈwʌndər/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "wun-": This part sounds like "wun" as in "sun" or "fun." It's a short, unstressed vowel sound.

  2. "-der": This is where a lot of people stumble. It sounds like "dare" but with a broader 'a' sound. Think of the "a" in "father". It's not like the "der" in "derby."

Putting it Together:

So, you're essentially saying "wun-der" with a slightly broader 'a' sound than you might expect.

Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "wond-er": This is the most common mistake. The "o" is not pronounced like in "pond."
  • Avoid a short "uh" sound: It shouldn’t sound like "wun-er" where the 'e' is short and unstressed.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/wonder/ – This website has native speakers pronounce the word.
  • Google Translate: Say "wonder" into Google Translate, and it'll play the pronunciation for you.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using the word "wonder"?
  • Explain other similar words that sound tricky (like "wondering")?

Usage and examples with the word wonder in English

Let's break down how to use the word "wonder" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (Feeling Amazement/Curiosity):

  • Meaning: To feel a strong sense of surprise, amazement, or disbelief. It's more than just curiosity; it implies a feeling of being overwhelmed by something beautiful, astonishing, or inexplicable.
  • Examples:
    • “I wonder what’s happening over there.” (Expressing curiosity)
    • “She wondered at the beauty of the sunset.” (Feeling amazement)
    • “He wondered why he hadn’t heard from her.” (Feeling disbelief or confusion)
    • “I wondered if I’d ever find a matching pair of socks.” (Expressing a slightly whimsical, surprised feeling)

2. As a Noun (A Feeling of Amazement/Curiosity):

  • Meaning: The feeling of surprise, amazement, or disbelief mentioned above. It’s a noun describing the state of mind.
  • Examples:
    • “She had a look of wonder on her face.” (Describing her appearance)
    • “The children stared at the magician with wonder.” (Describing their reaction)
    • “His eyes were filled with wonder as he saw the stars.” (Describing his expression)

3. "I wonder..." (Expressing a Question/Hope/Speculation):

  • Meaning: This structure is a very common way to introduce a question, a hope, or a thoughtful speculation. It's polite and suggests you're open to possibilities.
  • Examples:
    • “I wonder if it will rain tomorrow.” (Expressing a hope)
    • “I wonder what the answer to that question is.” (Expressing curiosity and a desire to know)
    • “I wonder if they’ll invite us to the party.” (Expressing speculation/hope)
    • “I wonder what he's thinking.” (Expressing speculation about someone's thoughts)

4. "Wonder" (As a Remarkable/Astonishing Thing):

  • Meaning: Sometimes, "wonder" is used to describe something truly amazing or incredible. It's less about feeling and more about the thing itself.
  • Examples:
    • “The ancient castle was a wonder to behold.” (Describing its impressive nature)
    • “The invention is a technological wonder.” (Describing something impressive and innovative)
    • “The Amazon rainforest is a natural wonder.” (Describing a place of extraordinary beauty and biodiversity)

Key Differences and Nuances:

  • "Curious" vs. "Wondering": "Curious" simply means wanting to know something. “Wondering” implies a more profound, emotional reaction to something that is surprising or astonishing.
  • Formality: "Wonder" is slightly more formal than words like "think" or "guess."

Tips for Using It Effectively:

  • Consider the context: Pay attention to what you're describing and choose the usage that best fits the situation.
  • Use descriptive words: Adding words like “deep,” “genuine,” “pure,” “childlike,” or “astonished” can strengthen the impact of "wonder." (e.g., “She looked at the painting with a sense of pure wonder.”)

To help me tailor my explanation further, could you tell me:

  • Are there a specific context you'd like me to focus on (e.g., writing, speaking, a particular type of sentence)?
  • Do you want more examples related to a certain topic (e.g., nature, technology, relationships)?

Synonyms for the word wonder

Practice with vocabulary wonder

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. I often _______ how quantum physics works; it's quite a complex field.
  2. She began to _______ if the project timeline was realistic given the new constraints.
  3. Before approving the budget, the committee must _______ the financial implications thoroughly.
  4. The detective was assigned to _______ the mysterious disappearance of the ancient artifact.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The ancient ruins filled the tourists with a sense of _______. a) curiosity b) amazement c) wonder d) bewilderment
  2. Scientists continue to _______ at the intricate complexity of the human brain. a) marvel b) question c) inquire d) wonder
  3. I _______ if you could provide more details about the upcoming conference agenda. a) ask b) request c) wonder d) require
  4. Before presenting the proposal, you should carefully _______ the potential objections. a) review b) ponder c) dismiss d) disregard
  5. Her sudden resignation caused considerable _______ among her colleagues. a) astonishment b) apprehension c) perplexity d) surprise

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: He frequently ponders about how artificial intelligence will change human jobs. Rewrite using "wonder" or a related word form:
  2. Original: The sheer beauty of the northern lights left the spectators completely awestruck. Rewrite using "wonder" or a related word form:
  3. Original: The unexpected rise in stock prices took many investors by surprise. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do NOT use "wonder"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. wonder
  2. wonder
  3. assess
  4. examine

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) amazement, c) wonder
  2. a) marvel, d) wonder
  3. a) ask, c) wonder
  4. a) review, b) ponder
  5. a) astonishment, d) surprise

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He frequently wonders how artificial intelligence will change human jobs.
  2. The spectators gazed in wonder at the sheer beauty of the northern lights.
  3. The unexpected rise in stock prices caused astonishment among many investors.

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