What is wonderful? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of wonderful

wonderfuladjective

/ˈwʌndəf(ʊ)l/
Definition & pronunciation of wonderful

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "wonderful" in English. It's a tricky one because it has a few sounds combined! Here's a breakdown:

1. Core Sounds:

  • “wun”: This part sounds like "wun" as in "sun." It's a short, unstressed "u" sound.
  • “der”: This is pronounced like "der" as in "dare."
  • “ful”: This sounds like "ful" as in "full."

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced roughly like this: "Wuhn-der-ful"

3. Emphasis & Nuances:

  • Emphasis: The primary stress falls on the first syllable: "Wuhn".
  • “der” is a short, quick sound.
  • "ful" is a slightly longer, drawn-out "l" sound.

Here’s a breakdown with phonetic symbols (for those who like that):

/ˈwʌnˌdərˌfʊl/

Resources for Hearing It:

  • Google Search: Simply search "how to pronounce wonderful" on Google, and you’ll find audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/wonderful/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Tips for Learning:

  • Listen and Repeat: The best way to learn is to listen to native speakers and then try to imitate them.
  • Break it Down: Practice saying each syllable ("wun," "der," "ful") separately before putting it all together.
  • Slow it Down: Start by saying it slowly and deliberately, then gradually increase your speed.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word wonderful in English

Let's break down how to use the word "wonderful" effectively in English. It's a versatile word, but it's important to use it appropriately to avoid it feeling overused or insincere.

1. Basic Meaning & Usage:

  • Core Meaning: "Wonderful" means extremely good, pleasing, or impressive. It expresses a strong positive feeling.
  • Common Uses:
    • Describing experiences: "We had a wonderful vacation!"
    • Expressing appreciation: "That was a wonderful performance!"
    • Commenting on people: "She's a wonderful person."
    • Describing things: "What a wonderful view!"

2. Grammatical Considerations:

  • Adjective: "Wonderful" is primarily used as an adjective – it describes a noun.
    • Example: “The weather is wonderful.”
  • Can be part of a phrase: It’s often used in phrases like:
    • “It’s wonderful to see you!”
    • “That’s wonderful news!”

3. Levels of Intensity – How to Make it More Effective:

“Wonderful” can sometimes feel a little generic. Here’s how to add nuance:

  • Stronger Alternatives (for greater impact):

    • Fantastic: (Very enthusiastic, exciting) – “That was a fantastic concert!”
    • Amazing: (Surprising and impressive) – “It’s amazing how quickly he learned!”
    • Extraordinary: (Remarkable, beyond the ordinary) – “She’s an extraordinary artist.”
    • Magnificent: (Grand, impressive, often used for landscapes or art) – "The sunset over the mountains was magnificent.”
    • Splendid: (Excellent, cheerful) – "A splendid day for a picnic!"

  • Softer Alternatives (for milder praise):

    • Lovely: (Pleasant, agreeable) – "It’s a lovely garden."
    • Pleasant: (Agreeable, enjoyable) – "The music was pleasant."
    • Good: (A simple, general positive comment) – “That’s a good idea.” (Though “good” can be quite weak on its own.)

4. Context is Key – Don't Overuse!

  • Avoid overuse: Saying "wonderful" for everything will make it lose its impact. Choose stronger or more specific words when appropriate.
  • Be genuine: “Wonderful” should reflect a sincere feeling. Don’t use it just to fill space.

5. Examples Showing Different Uses:

  • Expressing a positive feeling about a trip: “Our trip to Italy was absolutely wonderful – the food, the sights, the people…”
  • Commenting on someone's skill: “You played a wonderful piano piece!”
  • Sharing good news: "I have wonderful news to share – I got the job!"
  • Describing a cozy atmosphere: "The fire in the fireplace and the soft music created a wonderful atmosphere."

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of situation are you thinking of using "wonderful" in? (e.g., writing a thank-you note, speaking casually, describing something in a story)

Synonyms for the word wonderful

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