wonder*/*/*/

[ˈwʌndə] verb I

1) [I/T] to think about something because you want to know more facts, or because you are worried

‘How did they find out?' she wondered.[/ex]

I was wondering about the best place for a holiday.[/ex]

I wonder what we can do to help Sylvia.[/ex]

I wonder if they'll get married.[/ex]

I wonder whether it was wise to let her travel alone.[/ex]

2) to be very impressed or surprised by something

It's hard not to wonder at the miracle of a newborn baby.[/ex]

•

I wonder if/whether — a polite way of asking something[/ex]

[i]I wonder if you would do me a favour?[/ex]

I was wondering whether you would like to come to the theatre with me?[/ex]

II

noun

wonder */[ˈwʌndə]

1) [U] a strong feeling of surprise or admiration

She gazed at the ocean in wonder.[/ex]

Where is the sense of wonder we felt when we were younger?[/ex]

2) [C] something that is very impressive or surprising

the wonders of modern technology[/ex]

Coral reefs are among the natural wonders of the world.[/ex]

•

do/work wonders — to have a very good effect on someone or something[/ex]

Fresh air and exercise do wonders for your health.[/ex]

They have worked wonders with kids that other schools had rejected.[/ex]

it's a wonder (that) — used for saying that something is so bad that it is surprising that a good result can come from it[/ex]

Your writing is so small, it's a wonder anyone can read it.[/ex]

no wonder (that) — used for showing that you are not surprised by something[/ex]

No wonder the children were bored - it was such a long speech.[/ex]

III

adj

wonder [ˈwʌndə]

extremely good or effective

The treatment was first regarded as a wonder cure.[/ex]