Definition of "wonder" in Anglais

noun

1. (uncountable) A sense of awe, astonishment and curiosity, inspired by unexpected events, novel experiences and inexplicable circumstances, sometimes accompanied by surprise, shock or reverence.

   • Socrates: I see, my dear Theaetetus, that Theodorus had a true insight into your nature when he said that you were a philosopher, for wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder. He was not a bad genealogist who said that Iris (the messenger of heaven) is the child of Thaumas (wonder).

2. (countable) Something that causes amazement or awe; a marvel.

   • Wonders of the World seem to come in sevens.

3. (countable, UK, informal) A mental pondering, a thought.

4. (countable, US) A kind of donut; a cruller.

verb

1. (intransitive) To be affected with surprise or admiration; to be struck with astonishment; to be amazed; to marvel; often followed by at.

   • He's married by now, I shouldn't wonder.

2. (transitive, intransitive) To ponder; to feel doubt and curiosity; to query in the mind.

   • He wondered whether penguins could fly. She had wondered this herself sometimes.
   • Has Jay gone fishing, I wonder?
   • I was wondering what time the film was starting.