Miracle vs. Wonder: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 6, 2023
A miracle is a supernatural event defying the laws of nature, often attributed to divine intervention; a wonder is a feeling of amazement caused by something remarkable or unexplainable.
Key Differences
A miracle is often perceived as an extraordinary event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws and is thus attributed to a divine agency. In contrast, a wonder primarily refers to the emotion or feeling of astonishment and admiration caused by witnessing something astounding.
While miracles are usually tied to religious or spiritual beliefs, indicating an act of God or a higher power, wonders can be inspired by anything that evokes awe, regardless of its origin. For instance, a person might see a grand natural landscape and feel wonder but might attribute a seemingly impossible recovery from an illness to a miracle.
In literature, miracles often stand as significant plot elements showcasing the intervention of the divine in human affairs. Wonders, however, might describe events, places, or phenomena that leave characters or readers in awe due to their beauty, scale, or inexplicability.
It's essential to note that the term miracle implies a certain level of belief in the supernatural or divine. At the same time, wonder is more about individual perception and can be experienced in various contexts, whether they be natural, human-made, or even abstract concepts that captivate the mind.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Supernatural event
Feeling or emotion
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Associated With
Divine intervention
Amazement and admiration
Common Context
Religious or spiritual beliefs
Any situation causing astonishment
Expression
Describes an event
Describes an emotion or a remarkable phenomenon
Dependency
Often requires belief in the supernatural
Based on individual perception
Miracle and Wonder Definitions
Miracle
A highly improbable or extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment.
It's a miracle that we finished the project on time given the setbacks.
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Wonder
A feeling of amazement and admiration caused by something beautiful or remarkable.
She gazed in wonder at the starry night sky.
Miracle
A wondrous action or event transcending the known laws of nature.
Many pilgrims travel to witness the miracle of the statue's tears.
Wonder
A surprising phenomenon or event.
It's a wonder how he manages to stay calm in stressful situations.
Miracle
An extraordinary event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws.
The recovery of the man from the terminal illness was deemed a miracle.
Wonder
Curiosity or eagerness to know something.
He expressed wonder about the universe's mysteries.
Miracle
An exceptional product or achievement, or an outstanding example of something.
The new cleaning solution worked like a miracle on the stained carpet.
Wonder
The emotion aroused by something awe-inspiring, astounding, or surprising
Gazed with wonder at the northern lights.
Miracle
An event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God.
Wonder
The quality that arouses such emotion
"Her long fair hair was girlish.
Miracle
One that excites admiring awe; a wonderful or amazing event, act, person, or thing.
Wonder
One that arouses awe, astonishment, surprise, or admiration; a marvel
Given all his unhealthy habits, it's a wonder he's lived this long. She was a wonder in that movie.
Miracle
A miracle play.
Wonder
Often Wonder A monumental human creation regarded with awe, especially one of seven monuments of the ancient world that appeared on various lists of late antiquity.
Miracle
An event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin.
Many religious beliefs are based on miracles.
An example of a miracle associated with Muhammad is the splitting of the moon.
Wonder
An extraordinary or remarkable act or achievement
That teacher has worked wonders with these students.
Miracle
A fortunate outcome that prevails despite overwhelming odds against it.
Wonder
An event inexplicable by the laws of nature; a miracle.
Miracle
An awesome and exceptional example of something
Wonder
To have a feeling of awe, astonishment, surprise, or admiration
We wondered at the ease with which she settled into her new job.
Miracle
(transitive) To affect by a miracle; to work a miracle upon.
Wonder
To be filled with curiosity or doubt
I could only wonder after hearing his excuse. I wondered about his late-night comings and goings.
Miracle
A wonder or wonderful thing.
That miracle and queen of genus.
Wonder
To feel curiosity or be in doubt about
I wondered what kind of costume she would wear. I wondered why I said that.
Miracle
An event or effect contrary to the established constitution and course of things, or a deviation from the known laws of nature; a supernatural event, or one transcending the ordinary laws by which the universe is governed.
They considered not the miracle of the loaves.
Wonder
Remarkable or extraordinary, especially in being beneficial
Considers quinoa a wonder grain.
Miracle
A miracle play.
Wonder
Something that causes amazement or awe; a marvel.
Wonders of the World seem to come in sevens.
Miracle
A story or legend abounding in miracles.
When said was all this miracle.
Wonder
Something astonishing and seemingly inexplicable.
The idea was so crazy that it is a wonder that anyone went along with it.
Miracle
To make wonderful.
Wonder
Someone very talented at something, a genius.
He's a wonder at cooking.
Miracle
Any amazing or wonderful occurrence
Wonder
The sense or emotion which can be inspired by something curious or unknown; surprise; astonishment, often with awe or reverence.
Miracle
A marvellous event manifesting a supernatural act of God
Wonder
A mental pondering, a thought.
Miracle
An act believed to be caused by divine intervention.
The villagers believed the sudden rain during the drought was a miracle.
Wonder
(US) A kind of donut; a cruller.
Wonder
(intransitive) To be affected with surprise or admiration; to be struck with astonishment; to be amazed; to marvel; often followed by at.
Wonder
To ponder; to feel doubt and curiosity; to query in the mind.
He wondered whether penguins could fly. She had wondered this herself sometimes.
Wonder
That emotion which is excited by novelty, or the presentation to the sight or mind of something new, unusual, strange, great, extraordinary, or not well understood; surprise; astonishment; admiration; amazement.
They were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
Wonder is the effect of novelty upon ignorance.
Wonder
A cause of wonder; that which excites surprise; a strange thing; a prodigy; a miracle.
To try things oft, and never to give over, doth wonders.
I am as a wonder unto many.
Wonder
To be affected with surprise or admiration; to be struck with astonishment; to be amazed; to marvel.
I could not sufficiently wonder at the intrepidity of these diminutive mortals.
We cease to wonder at what we understand.
Wonder
To feel doubt and curiosity; to wait with uncertain expectation; to query in the mind; as, he wondered why they came.
I wonder, in my soul,What you would ask me, that I should deny.
Wonder
Wonderful.
After that he said a wonder thing.
Wonder
Wonderfully.
Wonder
The feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
Wonder
Something that causes feelings of wonder;
The wonders of modern science
Wonder
A state in which you want to learn more about something
Wonder
Have a wish or desire to know something;
He wondered who had built this beautiful church
Wonder
Place in doubt or express doubtful speculation;
I wonder whether this was the right thing to do
She wondered whether it would snow tonight
Wonder
Be amazed at;
We marvelled at the child's linguistic abilities
Wonder
A thing or event that causes astonishment due to its marvelous or inexplicable nature.
The pyramids of Egypt are one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Wonder
An extraordinary or remarkable act or achievement.
His latest invention is truly a wonder in the field of technology.
FAQs
Is wonder always related to good things?
No, wonder can be felt for both positive and negative extraordinary events.
What is a miracle?
A miracle is a supernatural event beyond the explanation of natural laws, often attributed to divine intervention.
How is wonder different from miracle?
Wonder is a feeling of amazement, while a miracle is an inexplicable event often seen as divine.
Can a piece of art evoke wonder?
Absolutely, art can evoke strong feelings of wonder due to its beauty or emotional impact.
Can miracles be negative?
Typically, miracles are viewed positively, but the term could be used ironically or in specific contexts to describe negative events.
Can a miracle be considered a wonder?
Yes, miracles can induce a feeling of wonder due to their unexplainable nature.
Why do people seek miracles?
People might seek miracles for hope, affirmation of belief, or solutions to unsolvable problems.
Are miracles always religious?
While often associated with religion, the term miracle can also be used in non-religious contexts to describe improbable events.
Are all unexplained events miracles?
Not necessarily; an unexplained event might later be understood with more knowledge or research.
Can a person be described as a miracle?
Yes, if someone overcomes extraordinary odds or does something incredible, they might be described as a miracle.
Can something be both a miracle and wonder?
Yes, an event can be viewed as a miracle and also evoke the emotion of wonder.
Can scientific achievements be considered wonders?
Yes, groundbreaking scientific achievements can evoke feelings of wonder.
Is belief necessary for something to be a miracle?
While belief can reinforce the perception of an event as a miracle, it's not always necessary.
Can one feel wonder at everyday things?
Yes, wonder is subjective and can be felt for simple, everyday occurrences.
How is the term miracle used in daily language?
In daily language, "miracle" can describe anything surprisingly positive or highly improbable.
Are miracles always instant?
No, while many think of miracles as instant occurrences, they can also be seen as events unfolding over time.
Can a person "work wonders"?
Yes, the phrase "work wonders" means to achieve impressive results or make significant improvements.
Is wonder a universal emotion?
While its triggers might vary, the feeling of wonder is considered a universal human emotion.
Can wonder be expressed in art?
Yes, artists often aim to capture or evoke feelings of wonder through their work.
What can cause a person to feel wonder?
Anything from nature's beauty, human achievements, art, or unexpected events can evoke wonder.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
