wonder

1 verb (I, T)

1 to think about something that you are not sure about and try to guess what is true, what will happen etc: wonder who/what/how etc: I wonder how James is getting on. | What are they going to do now, I wonder? | wonder if/whether/why: I wonder if I'll recognize Philip after all these years. | it makes you wonder: especially spoken: Patrick's reaction made me wonder if he knew more than he'd told me.

2 I wonder if/whether spoken used to ask politely for something: I wonder if I might have a glass of water?

3 I was wondering if/whether

a) spoken used to politely ask someone to help you: I was wondering if I could borrow your car?

b) used to ask someone politely if they would like to do something: I was wondering if you'd like to come to dinner.

4 (I, T) to feel surprised and unable to believe something

(+ about/at): Sometimes I wonder about his behaviour. (+ how): I wonder how he dares to show his face after last night! | I don't wonder BrE spoken (=I am not surprised): I don't wonder you're tired after the day you've had. | I shouldn't wonder BrE spoken (=I would not be surprised about something): He'll come back soon enough, I shouldn't wonder.

5 (I, T) to doubt or question whether something is true: “Is she serious?” “I wonder.” | wonder if/whether: Ken says such stupid things that I wonder if he's got any sense at all!

2 noun

1 ADMIRATION

a) (U) a feeling of surprise and admiration for something very beautiful or new to you: The sight of the Taj Mahal filled us with wonder.

b) (C) something that makes you feel surprise and admiration: technological wonders | the Seven Wonders of the World

2 (it's) no wonder/small wonder/little wonder especially spoken used to say that you are not surprised by something: No wonder you've got a headache, the amount you drank last night.

3 SURPRISING it's a wonder (that) especially spoken used to say that something is very surprising: It's a wonder Louise remembered to come, she's so scatty.

4 do/work wonders to be very effective in solving a problem

5 CLEVER PERSON (singular) BrE someone who is clever at doing difficult things: Philip's a wonder, the way he manages on his own.

6 wonders will never cease! spoken humorous used to show you are surprised and pleased about something

—see also: chinless wonder chinless (3), nine days wonder nine (3) 3 adjective (only before noun) very good and effective: a new wonder drug