Sparky: I have built a miracle.
Mr.Maru: I really don't think so.
Sparky: No look! It is the 8th marvel of the world.
Mr.Maru: It's a giant pyramid made out of dog biscuits.
Sparky: Exactly. It is a wonder of engineering.
Mr.Maru: I hope you can eat all those before it rains.

What is the difference between a marvel, a wonder or a miracle?  Can we use them for every situation?  Let's take a look at some examples.

A Wonder - definition

A wonder is something that is amazing, awe-inspiring and admirable.  It is a commonly used word.  It can mean something that makes you ask questions or think about something else.  For example,

The Burj Khalifa is a wonder of engineering.  I can't believe how tall it is.  How did they build it?
He graduated from college when he was 13.  He is a child wonder. How did you graduate so young?

A Marvel - definition

A marvel is an occurrence or happening that is awe-inspiring or amazing.  This word isn't used very often.  It is usually used to describe the popular comic book company in the United States.  It is often used with engineering or science.  For example,

The Bay Bridge in San Francisco was an engineering marvel when it was created.  It is amazing that such a large structure was built.
Electricity is a technological marvel.  What would we do without it?

A Marvel vs. A Wonder

These words can usually be used in the same place.  Wonder is used more often though.

A Miracle - definition

A miracle is also something awe-inspiring or amazing, but is connected a supernatural or unexplained force.  We usually use this word for religious things.  For example,

The doctor performed a medical miracle and saved the little boy after he hadn't been breathing for more than 5 minutes.  (The boy should be dead because he was not breathing for a long time, but something supernatural or unexplained happened and he was saved.)
Jesus performed many miracles on his journeys.  (He did things that can not be explained by science or natural forces.)

A Wonder vs. A Marvel vs. A Miracle

A wonder and a marvel can be used in the same place.  There isn't a big difference in meaning for these two words, but miracle has a little different meaning.  It's better to use miracle for supernatural or unexplained forces.  So if it is something that is amazing or awe-inspiring but can be explained by science, you can use wonder or marvel.  If it can not be explained by nature or science, you can call it a miracle.

Do you think you understand?  Let's take a short quiz.  Try to choose the best answer.

1) He was able to play the guitar since he was 4.  He is a musical _______.

A) wonder
B) marvel
C) miracle

2) After a terrible war, the country had an economic ________.  Nobody knows how they recovered so quickly.

A) wonder
B) marvel
C) miracle

3) The London Eye is an engineering ________,  It's amazing how they got the pieces of the Ferris wheel to downtown London.

A) wonder
B) marvel
C) miracle

Answers

1) - A) - Wonder is the best answer, but you can also use marvel.
2) - C) - Miracle is often used with the adjective economic to mean an unexplained and almost impossible period of economic growth.
3) - B) - Marvel is the best answer because we are talking about engineering.  You can also use wonder.

Thanks for stopping by.  If you have a question about grammar or vocabulary or you just want to say hi, please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Now it is your turn!  Can you write a sentence using marvel, miracle, or wonder?  Try it in the comments below.