Middle English Dictionary Entry

wǒnder n.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Forms wǒnder n. Also wondere, wondir(e, wondur, wondre, wonther, wonthur, wounder, woundir, woundur, woundre, wundir, wundur, vonder, (chiefly early) wunder & (early) wundor, wundre, wnder, wndre, (SWM) winder, (SW) ȝwounder, (early infl.) wundræ; pl. wonders, etc. & wundris, (early) wunder, wundre, wundræ, wundra, wundren, windræ, (dat.) wundrum & (error) worders.
Etymology OE wundor, wunder; exx. in predicative use without article are treated here, but could also be construed as wǒnder adj.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. merveille n.
1.
(a) An extraordinary thing, a marvel, prodigy; wonders of men, monsters; mannes ~, a monster;—used iron.; (b) an unheard-of event, a strange occurrence; (c) a strange thing, an unusual phenomenon or event;—also coll.; also, a marvelous quality [1st quot.]; to ~, extraordinarily; with muchel ~, in an extraordinary fashion; (d) an extraordinary natural occurrence regarded as an omen, a portent, sign.
Show 35 Quotations
2.
(a) An astonishing event requiring the violation of the natural order through supernatural or divine power, a miracle; (b) a manifestation of divine greatness or benevolence; (c) wonders renninge, the dramatic presentation of the miracles of Christ and the saints, miracle plays; aboven wonders, surpassing the miraculous.
Show 29 Quotations
3.
(a) A cause for surprise or amazement; ~ is, gret) ~ hit is, hit is (a gret) ~, etc.; (b) in conventionalized phrases, freq. negative, indicating the obvious nature or inevitability of something: hit is no (litel, non) ~, lite ~ hit is, no ~ (is, etc., it is) no surprise; what ~ if, what (which) ~ is though, etc., why wonder that (sth. is so)?
Show 38 Quotations
4.
A cause of perplexity, a conundrum, puzzlement; also, an apparent contradiction [quot. a1225]; ~ hit is, ~ me thinketh, hit is ~, etc.
Show 12 Quotations
5.
(a) A report of something surprising; an account of a marvel or miracle; (b) something remarkable, noteworthy, or impressive; ~ is to heren (tellen), ~ him thinketh, hit is ~ to tellen (witen), etc.
Show 17 Quotations
6.
(a) A feeling of wonder; amazement, astonishment; also, reverential fear, awe; (b) curiosity, inquisitiveness; perplexity, puzzlement;—often with that clause or indirect question as complement; also, bemused surprise; haven ~; bringen in ~, setten ~ on, to inspire curiosity in (sb.).
Show 26 Quotations
7.
(a) A terrible or shameful deed; a crime; a sin; also, evil; al) to ~, shamefully; (b) disaster, destruction, ruin; also, affliction [quot. c1350]; of ~, horrible, terrible; (c) extreme distress or grief; also, a distressing thing [quot. c1330].
Show 25 Quotations
8.
Prodigious effort; muchel ~, an extraordinary number, a great many.
Show 2 Quotations
9.
The word ‘wonder’.
Show 1 Quotation
10.
As surname [could also be construed as wonder adj.].
Show 1 Quotation

©2025 Regents of the University of Michigan. For details about this collection's copyright see the MEC copyright statement and the U-M Library Copyright Policy. Data last refreshed Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 12:18:00.