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

Practice with vocabulary wonderful

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. The advanced research facility boasts an array of cutting-edge equipment, making it a truly ________ place for scientific discovery.
  2. Candidates are expected to adhere ________ to the company's code of conduct.
  3. Her ability to articulate complex ideas with such clarity and enthusiasm is absolutely ________.
  4. The marketing team's innovative campaign had a highly ________ effect on brand recognition.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Select all correct answers for each question.

  1. The art exhibition showcased a collection of truly innovative pieces, making the entire viewing experience quite ________. a) mundane b) wonderful c) uninspired d) captivating e) exceptional

  2. The overwhelmingly positive feedback on our recent product launch described the design and functionality as ________. a) satisfactory b) wonderful c) outstanding d) average e) innovative

  3. Despite the tight deadline, the team delivered a presentation that was both comprehensive and engaging, a truly ________ achievement. a) pedestrian b) mediocre c) admirable d) wonderful e) disappointing

  4. To ensure a smooth transition, it is ________ to communicate any changes to the project scope clearly and promptly. a) optional b) imperative c) inconsequential d) advisable e) trivial

  5. The CEO's speech emphasized the ________ need for adaptability in the face of evolving market trends. a) trivial b) pressing c) non-existent d) urgent e) superficial

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite each sentence according to the instructions.

  1. Rewrite the sentence, using "wonderful". The company's innovative approach to sustainability has been highly praised by environmental experts.

  2. Rewrite the sentence, using "wonderful" or a related word form. The detailed analysis provided exceptional insights into consumer behavior.

  3. Rewrite the sentence, replacing the underlined word with a suitable alternative (do not use "wonderful"). The successful negotiation of the international trade agreement was a significant diplomatic achievement.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. wonderful
  2. strictly
  3. wonderful
  4. significant

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) wonderful, d) captivating, e) exceptional
  2. b) wonderful, c) outstanding, e) innovative
  3. c) admirable, d) wonderful
  4. b) imperative, d) advisable
  5. b) pressing, d) urgent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company's innovative approach to sustainability has been hailed as wonderful by environmental experts.
  2. The detailed analysis offered wonderful insights into consumer behavior.
  3. The successful negotiation of the international trade agreement was a momentous diplomatic achievement.

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