marvellous - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
marvellous Word Meanings
- extremely good or impressive
- causing great wonder
- extraordinarily beautiful
marvellous Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
marvellous Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈmɑːvələs/
US
/ˈmɑrvələs/
marvellous Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'marvel' + suffix '-ous'. Historical origin: from Latin 'mirabilis' (wonderful) → Old French 'merveilleux' → English 'marvellous'. Memory image: Imagine a fantastic, colorfully glowing rainbow that evokes awe wherever it appears.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Marvellous is an adjective used to describe something that is exceptionally good, wonderful, or surprising in a charming, memorable way. In British English, the spelling with a 'u' is traditional; American writers often drop the 'u' to spell marvelous. The sense covers beauty, awe, and high quality, from a marvellous performance to a marvellous achievement. Its etymology ties to marvel, the sense of wonder, and the suffix -ous, which turns a noun into an adjective. People often imagine marvellous objects as bright and striking, like a colorfully glowing rainbow that evokes astonishment. Learners should distinguish marvellous from merely good or nice, which is milder.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Spelling follows British English (marvellous) vs American (marvelous)
- 2) Use for strong praise, not casual niceness
- 3) Can describe people, performances, scenery, or ideas
- 4) Pair with nouns: marvellous performance, marvellous scenery
- 5) Sound formal or emphatic; avoid overuse
Common Misconceptions
- It only describes beauty, not quality or achievement
- It means the same as 'amazing' in all contexts
- Its intensity is always the same in every situation
- It must always describe people, not things
- Spelling is the same in American English
Thinking Differences
British readers often expect a touch of formal enthusiasm with marvellous, whereas Americans may reserve the word for standout moments; learners should gauge tone and context to avoid sounding overly grand in everyday speech.
Learning Tips
- 1) Learn spelling variants (marvellous vs marvelous).
- 2) Pair with strong nouns (marvellous performance, marvellous scenery).
- 3) Reserve for high-impact praise, not everyday niceness.
- 4) Recognize formal or literary tone in usage.
- 5) Compare with synonyms like amazing, wonderful to sharpen nuance.
- 6) Practice British contexts to hear the natural cadence of the word.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'marvellous' mean?
A.Dull and uninspiring
B.Inspiring awe or admiration; extraordinary
C.Common and typical
D.Simplistic and mundane
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'marvellous' correctly?
A.He found the book marvellous boring.
B.She marvellous cooked dinner for her family.
C.The weather was marvellous for a winter day.
D.Their marvellous was a wonderful experience.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'marvellous'?
A.Boring
B.Ordinary
C.Wonderful
D.Awful
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'marvellous'?
A.Remarkable
B.Outstanding
C.Terrible
D.Excellent
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where something could be described as 'marvellous'?
A.The meal was bland and unappealing.
B.The show was truly captivating and left the audience inspired.
C.He felt like it was an everyday occurrence.
D.The building looked old and broken.
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