Definition

Adjective: Affected by or overcome with wonder; filled with a feeling of surprise and admiration, often mixed with awe, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, or inexplicable.

Usage

The adjective "wonder-struck" describes a state of being deeply amazed or astonished. It is typically used to describe a person's reaction to something extraordinary, beautiful, or awe-inspiring. It is a formal or literary term.

Examples

• The tourists stood wonder-struck before the majestic ancient temple.
• She was wonder-struck by the intricate beauty of the snowflake under the microscope.
• The child listened, wonder-struck, to the astronaut's stories about walking on the moon.

Advanced Usage

• "to be wonder-struck by/at something": This is the most common construction to specify the cause of the wonder.
  • The audience was wonder-struck by the magician's final illusion.
• "to leave someone wonder-struck": To cause someone to be in a state of wonder.
  • The natural phenomenon left the scientists wonder-struck.

Variants and Related Words

• Wonder-stricken (adjective): A less common variant with the same meaning as "wonder-struck."
• Awestruck (adjective): Filled with or expressing awe, which is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. This is a close synonym but often implies a stronger element of fear or reverence.
• Astonished (adjective): Greatly surprised or impressed; amazed. This is a more general synonym.
• Wonder (noun/verb): The root word meaning a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration or the desire to know.

Synonyms

• Amazed
• Astonished
• Awed
• Marveling
• Spellbound
• Dumbfounded (implies being so surprised one is unable to speak)

Antonyms

• Unimpressed
• Unmoved
• Bored
• Blasé
• Jaded

Adjective

1. affected by or overcome with wonder