Marvel vs. Marvellous: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Marvel" can be a noun or verb referring to a wonderful, astonishing object or the action of being filled with wonder or astonishment. "Marvellous" is an adjective describing something that is extremely good, wonderful, or astonishing.

Key Differences
The words "marvel" and "marvellous" both convey a sense of wonder and astonishment but are used in different grammatical contexts and have distinct applications. "Marvel" can serve as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a person or thing that is astonishing, extraordinary, or noteworthy. It represents something that causes wonder or astonishment. As a verb, "marvel" means to be filled with surprise, wonder, or astonishment. On the other hand, "marvellous" is an adjective and describes something as causing great wonder, being extraordinary, or extremely good or pleasing. It serves to characterize objects, people, or experiences that evoke a sense of wonder or astonishment due to their exceptional qualities.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
When you "marvel" at something, you are expressing your sense of wonder or astonishment at witnessing it. It involves an active reaction to something wonderful or extraordinary. You may marvel at the beauty of nature, the complexity of a machine, or the talent of an individual. Contrastingly, when something is described as "marvellous," it is being characterized as causing wonder or being extraordinary in nature. A marvellous painting, a marvellous performance, or marvellous scenery evoke admiration and wonder due to their outstanding qualities.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
In everyday language, using "marvel" typically implies that one is experiencing or expressing wonder or astonishment. You marvel at things that are impressive, extraordinary, or unexpected. It reflects a reaction or a response to witnessing something wonderful. Conversely, using "marvellous" is a way of describing or qualifying things, experiences, or people as being of extraordinary quality or character. It serves to attribute a sense of wonder or excellence to the subject being described.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
The term "marvel" is versatile, being applicable to various subjects and contexts, whether one is marveling at a natural phenomenon, a work of art, or a scientific breakthrough. It encompasses objects, occurrences, or people that are extraordinary or noteworthy. Meanwhile, "marvellous" universally serves as a qualifier for anything deemed exceptionally good, wonderful, or impressive. It is a descriptive term applied to characterize or categorize subjects based on their ability to evoke wonder or admiration.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Purpose
To express or represent wonder or astonishment.
To describe something as causing great wonder.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Usage in a Sentence
He could only marvel at her strength.
The scenery was simply marvellous.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Application
Various subjects and contexts.
Serves as a qualifier for anything deemed exceptionally good.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Nature
Reaction or representation of wonder.
Descriptive, characterizing subjects as wonderful.

Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Marvel and Marvellous Definitions
Marvel
A wonderful or astonishing person or thing.
The Great Wall of China is a marvel of engineering.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
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Marvellous
Extremely good or pleasing; wonderful.
It's marvellous what they can do with modern technology.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Marvel
An extraordinary example of its kind.
This ancient city is a marvel of architecture.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Marvellous
Surprisingly excellent or impressive.
She cooked a marvellous dinner for all of us.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Marvel
An action of expressing astonishment or wonder.
The crowd began to marvel at the magician's tricks.

Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Marvellous
Causing great wonder; extraordinary.
The marvellous painting left the audience in awe.

Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
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Marvel
Something that causes astonishment or admiration.
The athlete's resilience was a marvel to behold.

Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Marvellous
Of the highest quality or standard.
We had a marvellous view from our hotel room.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Marvellous
Of the highest or best kind or quality; first-rate
Has a marvelous collection of rare books.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Marvellous
(British spelling) Exciting wonder or surprise; astonishing; wonderful.
I went to a marvellous party last week.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Marvel
To feel amazement or bewilderment at or about
We marveled that they walked away unhurt from the car accident.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Marvellous
Extraordinarily good; used especially as intensifiers;
A fantastic trip to the Orient
The film was fantastic!
A howling success
A marvelous collection of rare books
Had a rattling conversation about politics
A tremendous achievement

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Marvellous
Characterized by wonder and astonishment.
The scientist made a marvellous discovery.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Marvel
(intransitive) To become filled with wonderment or admiration; to be amazed at something.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Marvel
That which causes wonder; a prodigy; a miracle.
I will do marvels such as have not been done.
Nature's sweet marvel undefiled.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Marvel
To be struck with surprise, astonishment, or wonder; to wonder.
Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Marvel
To cause to marvel, or be surprised; - used impersonally.
But much now me marveleth.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Marvel
Something that causes feelings of wonder;
The wonders of modern science

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Marvel
To become filled with surprise or wonder.
We marvel at the beauty of the universe.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
FAQs
Can you "marvel" at someone's abilities?
Yes, you can marvel at someone’s abilities if you find them astonishing or extraordinary.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Does "marvellous" imply a positive connotation?
Yes, "marvellous" typically conveys a highly positive sense, indicating something is wonderful or excellent.

Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is a "marvel" always tangible?
No, a "marvel" can also be an intangible occurrence, idea, or ability that is astonishing.

Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Is it common to "marvel" at natural phenomena?
Yes, it’s common to marvel at natural phenomena that are strikingly beautiful or extraordinary.

Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can "marvel" be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, "marvel" can refer to an astonishing object or the action of being filled with wonder.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can you "marvel" at a concept or idea?
Yes, you can marvel at a concept or idea if you find it astonishingly brilliant or innovative.

Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can a taste be "marvellous"?
Yes, if a taste is exceptionally delightful, it can be described as "marvellous."

Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Can "marvellous" refer to the quality of a performance?
Yes, "marvellous" can describe a performance that is of exceptionally high quality or extraordinarily good.

Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Is it possible to "marvel" at someone's kindness?
Yes, one can marvel at someone’s kindness if it is found to be extraordinarily generous or compassionate.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Is "marvellous" used to describe something extraordinary?
Yes, "marvellous" describes something extremely good or causing great wonder.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can "marvellous" describe someone's personality?
Certainly, "marvellous" can be used to describe a personality that is extraordinarily pleasant, charming, or admirable.

Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Is "marvellous" synonymous with "wonderful"?
Yes, "marvellous" is synonymous with "wonderful" as both describe something extremely good or pleasing.

Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can a "marvel" be man-made?
Absolutely, many man-made structures, inventions, and creations are considered marvels due to their extraordinary nature.

Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Can a day be "marvellous"?
Yes, a day can be described as "marvellous" if it brings extraordinary joy, experiences, or conditions.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
