marvellous

Marvellous is an adjective meaning causing wonder or admiration, or extraordinary in quality or degree. It can describe something remarkable, excellent, or very good. The word’s sense ranges from awe-inspiring phenomena to everyday praise, and it can carry a tone that is serious, effusive, or occasionally ironic.

Etymology and variants: Marvellous derives from Middle English marvellous, from Old French merveilleus, from merveille meaning a wonder or marvel, itself linked to Latin mirabilia meaning wonderful things. The form marvellous is standard in British English, while American English typically uses marvelous. The corresponding adverbs are marvellously (British) and marvelously (American).

Usage and nuance: The primary sense emphasizes awe or astonishment, as in a marvellous discovery or a marvellous view. It can also express high praise or enthusiasm for a person, achievement, or experience. In casual speech, it may be used playfully or ironically, for example to temper or exaggerate a reaction.

Cultural and literary context: The term has a long presence in literature, fairy tales, and religious or epic writing, where it signals wonder or the extraordinary. In modern prose, marvellous often conveys a slightly elevated or vivid descriptive tone and remains common in British media, advertising, and general prose.

In summary, marvellous is a versatile British English adjective that denotes wonder, quality, and excellence, with a broad range of positive or emphatic uses and a closely linked American variant, marvelous.