wonder

I UK [ˈwʌndə(r)] / US [ˈwʌndər] verb
Word forms "wonder":
present tense I/you/we/they wonder he/she/it wonders present participle wondering past tense wondered past participle wondered
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1)

a) [intransitive/transitive] to think about something because you want to know more facts or details about it

"How did they find out?" she wondered.

wonder how/what/when etc:

I wonder what we can do to help Sylvia.

wonder if/whether:

I wonder if they'll get married.

wonder about:

I was wondering about the best place for a holiday.

b) to think about someone or something because you have doubts or are worried about them

wonder about:

I wonder about him sometimes, I really do.

wonder whether/if/how etc:

I wonder whether it was wise to let her travel alone.

2) [intransitive] to admire someone or something and feel surprised by how beautiful or unusual they are

wonder at:

It's hard not to wonder at the miracle of a newborn baby.

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I don't wonder (that) — British

spoken used for saying that you are not surprised by something

I don't wonder you were scared – his driving is terrible!

I shouldn't wonder (if) — British

spoken used for saying that you think something is likely to be true

She'll have got herself another job, I shouldn't wonder.

I wonder if/whether — a polite way of asking someone for something such as information or their opinion, or asking them to do something

I wondered if you could possibly lend me some money?

I was wondering whether you would like to come to the theatre with me?

I wonder if you would do me a favour?

II UK [ˈwʌndə(r)] / US [ˈwʌndər] noun
Word forms "wonder":
singular wonder plural wonders mainly literary **

[uncountable] a feeling of surprise, admiration, or pleasure that you get, for example when you have seen something very unusual or beautiful

Where is the sense of wonder we felt when we were younger?

Her eyes were wide with wonder and awe.

in wonder:

She gazed at the ocean in wonder.

a) [countable] something that makes you have this feeling

the wonders of modern technology

Coral reefs are among the natural wonders of the world.

b) [countable] someone whom you admire because they can do something difficult

Charles, you're a wonder – you always stay so calm!

See:

boy wonder

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

do/work wonders for:

Fresh air and exercise do wonders for your health.

do/work wonders with:

They have worked wonders with kids that other schools had rejected.

is it any wonder (that)? — used for emphasizing that a particular situation or result is not surprising

With such talented players, is it any wonder they won?

(it's) little/no/small wonder (that) — used for showing that you are not surprised by a particular situation or event

It's little wonder the children are bored.

nine-day/seven-day/one-day wonder — someone or something that people are interested in and excited about for a short time only

The news of their affair was only a nine-day wonder.

- it's a wonder

- wonders will never cease

III UK [ˈwʌndə(r)] / US [ˈwʌndər] adjective [only before noun]

extremely good, unusual, beautiful, or effective

wonder drugs such as Prozac