Miracle vs. Wonder — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 21, 2023
A Miracle is a supernatural event defying natural laws, often attributed to divine intervention. A Wonder can be any amazing event, object, or phenomenon, not necessarily supernatural. Both evoke awe, but Miracles have a religious connotation.
Difference Between Miracle and Wonder
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A Miracle, by definition, is an event that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is often attributed to a divine or supernatural cause, especially to God. Wonders, on the other hand, can be anything that amazes or astonishes, without necessarily having a divine origin.
While both Miracles and Wonders generate awe and amazement, Miracles are rooted more deeply in religious and spiritual beliefs. Many religious texts contain references to Miracles, portraying them as evidence of the divine.
Wonders, in contrast, can range from natural phenomena like waterfalls and canyons to human-made marvels like architectural feats. While the term Wonder does not preclude a divine origin, it doesn't always imply it either.
Another distinction is the context in which each term is used. While Miracles often have religious or spiritual significance, Wonders are used more broadly in contexts such as travel, science, and even casual conversation.
In essence, while all Miracles may be considered Wonders due to their astonishing nature, not all Wonders are Miracles. The primary distinction lies in the supernatural and divine associations of Miracles compared to the more general awe-inspiring nature of Wonders.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Supernatural event
Amazing event, object, or phenomenon
Origin
Often attributed to divine intervention
Not necessarily supernatural
Context
Religious or spiritual
Broadly used in various contexts
Interpretation
Evidence of the divine
Awe-inspiring but not always religious
Associations
Faith, spirituality, the miraculous
Awe, amazement, curiosity
Compare with Definitions
Miracle
A supernatural event defying natural laws.
The recovery of the man was deemed a Miracle by all who knew his condition.
Wonder
An extraordinary or remarkable phenomenon.
The Great Pyramid is one of the ancient Wonders.
Miracle
An event viewed as a manifestation of a divine will.
Many pilgrims travel to witness the Miracle at the holy shrine.
Wonder
A desire to know or learn about something.
He looked at the machine and expressed a Wonder about how it worked.
Miracle
An unexpected positive turnaround.
It's a Miracle how they managed to finish the project on time.
Wonder
An event causing astonishment.
The magician's trick was a true Wonder.
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
Something beautiful or surprising.
The view from the mountaintop was a Wonder to behold.
Miracle
One that excites admiring awe; a wonderful or amazing event, act, person, or thing.
Wonder
The emotion aroused by something awe-inspiring, astounding, or surprising
Gazed with wonder at the northern lights.
Miracle
A miracle play.
Wonder
The quality that arouses such emotion
"Her long fair hair was girlish.
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
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 fortunate outcome that prevails despite overwhelming odds against it.
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 awesome and exceptional example of something
Wonder
An extraordinary or remarkable act or achievement
That teacher has worked wonders with these students.
Miracle
(transitive) To affect by a miracle; to work a miracle upon.
Wonder
An event inexplicable by the laws of nature; a miracle.
Miracle
A wonder or wonderful thing.
That miracle and queen of genus.
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
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
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 miracle play.
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
A story or legend abounding in miracles.
When said was all this miracle.
Wonder
Remarkable or extraordinary, especially in being beneficial
Considers quinoa a wonder grain.
Miracle
To make wonderful.
Wonder
Something that causes amazement or awe; a marvel.
Wonders of the World seem to come in sevens.
Miracle
Any amazing or wonderful occurrence
Wonder
Something astonishing and seemingly inexplicable.
The idea was so crazy that it is a wonder that anyone went along with it.
Miracle
A marvellous event manifesting a supernatural act of God
Wonder
Someone very talented at something, a genius.
He's a wonder at cooking.
Miracle
Divine intervention in ordinary events.
The birth of the child was a Miracle after years of trying.
Wonder
The sense or emotion which can be inspired by something curious or unknown; surprise; astonishment, often with awe or reverence.
Miracle
An extraordinary occurrence inspiring wonder.
The Miracle of the loaves and fishes is a biblical story.
Wonder
A mental pondering, a thought.
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 feeling of amazement and admiration.
She stared in Wonder at the northern lights.
Common Curiosities
What makes a Miracle different from a Wonder?
While both are astonishing, a Miracle has a supernatural origin, often divine, while a Wonder can be any amazing event or thing.
Can a Wonder be a Miracle?
Yes, all Miracles can be considered Wonders, but not vice versa.
Are Miracles always religious in nature?
Most Miracles have religious or spiritual connotations, but context matters.
Can a natural phenomenon be a Wonder?
Absolutely, things like waterfalls or eclipses can be Wonders.
Is Wonder always about amazement?
Often, but Wonder can also denote curiosity or a desire to know.
Do people always see Miracles as positive?
Generally, yes. Miracles often have positive or hopeful connotations.
Can a piece of art be a Wonder?
Definitely. Many view extraordinary art as a Wonder due to its beauty or impact.
Do Miracles happen today?
Many believe they do, pointing to unexpected recoveries or unexplained events as modern Miracles.
Can science explain Miracles?
Some believe Miracles defy scientific explanation, while others seek natural explanations for miraculous events.
What are the "Wonders of the World"?
They are lists of remarkable human-made structures, both ancient and modern.
How are Miracles verified in religious contexts?
Some religions have processes to validate reported Miracles, often involving rigorous investigation.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
