miracle - Master This Word

miracle Word Meanings

• an extraordinary event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws
• a welcome event that is not explicable
• an unlikely but fortunate outcome

miracle Example Sentences

Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.

• It was a miracle that he survived the accident.
• She considered it a miracle when she found her lost dog.
• Every sunrise is a little miracle in the sky.
• The doctor said her recovery was a miracle.
• They believed it was a miracle that they won the game.

miracle Word Etymology

miracle comes from Latin 'miraculum' (from 'mirari' = to wonder) → Old French 'miracle' → English. Imagine a miraculous moment when the impossible happens, like a person suddenly recovering from a terminal illness, invoking amazement.

English Brain Route

I lean in and place my hand on the kettle's handle, give it a light push to turn it on. Steam rises and the quiet room seems to shift as I adjust my grip and wait for the water to heat. I move to pour, keep my eye on the clock, and then a moment arrives—an unexpected, almost unbelievable result that feels like a small miracle.

Real Context

Miracle is a noun describing an event that seems to transcend ordinary explanation by natural or scientific laws. In common use, it can refer to a rare coincidence that somehow produces a very favorable outcome, or to a life saving turn of events that feels almost unnatural in its timing. People may attribute a miracle to divine intervention, luck, or an improbable alignment of circumstances. In secular discourse, it is often used metaphorically to describe a hope becoming a reality against the odds, such as a child recovering after a terminal illness or a project succeeding after many setbacks. The word carries emotional weight and sometimes sacred overtones.

Usage Reminders

• 1) Use a miracle with a or an indefinite article; 2) miraculous is the adjective form; 3) reserve miracle for extraordinary events, not just good luck; 4) note religious vs secular tone; 5) common collocations include a miracle happened, miracle cure, miracle turnaround; 6) avoid overusing in casual blogs.

Common Misconceptions

• A miracle is always religious or supernatural.
• If something is unlikely, it is a miracle in everyday use.
• A miracle can be explained by science after all.
• Miracle means a flawless or perfect outcome.
• All unexpected good events are miracles.

Thinking Differences

In English, miracle works as both a serious religious notion and a vivid figurative expression. Learners often confuse the religious sense with secular celebration or overstate everyday coincidences as miracles. Remember to pair miracle with a or an indefinite article and reserve miraculous for adjectives describing processes or outcomes.

Learning Tips

• 1) Learn the noun form with 'a miracle' and the adjective form 'miraculous'.
• 2) Distinguish religious vs secular usage by context and tone.
• 3) Use idioms like 'a miracle cure' cautiously and only for exceptional cases.
• 4) Avoid treating every lucky break as a miracle.
• 5) Practice with real examples, not invented scenarios.
• 6) Compare with synonyms like wonder, marvel, or unbelievable event.

5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English

Related Listening

🔥 Advanced

🔥 Advanced

When Promotion Becomes Touting

Opinion & Ideas

2026.02.24 · 1:15 · B2 · IELTS

Listen Now