Reading Theme:
Miracle: Definition, Usage & Common Phrases (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：an amazing wonder (miracle)
miracle
/ˈmɪrək(ə)l/
n.
Something amazing and good that you didn‘t think could happen, like a wonderful surprise gift.
an amazing wonder
➕
/ən əˈmeɪzɪŋ ˈwʌndər/
n.
A highly unexpected and welcome event that seems impossible.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'miraculum' (an object of wonder), from 'mirari' (to wonder).
💡 Mnemonic
Mirror a Clever person (Mirror-a-Cle) and you'd wonder at the miracle.
📖 Example
The doctors said he might never walk again, but his full recovery was a miracle.
The doctors said he might never walk again, but his full recovery was a miracle.
🔗 Collocations
work a miracle – To achieve something almost impossible.
miracle cure – A treatment that produces an astonishingly effective recovery.
miracle worker – A person who achieves seemingly impossible results.
🔄 Synonyms
wonder (n.) – Something causing surprise and admiration.
marvel (n.) – A wonderful or astonishing thing.
phenomenon (n.) – A remarkable or extraordinary occurrence.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
miraculous (adj.) – Like a miracle; wonderful and inexplicable.
miraculously (adv.) – In a miraculous manner.
miraculousness (n.) – The quality of being miraculous.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'miraculum' (a wonderful thing, object of wonder). In Christian theology, it refers to an event manifesting divine power that transcends natural law, forming a core concept in many religious narratives.
Meaning 2：divine supernatural event (miracle)
miracle
/ˈmɪrək(ə)l/
n.
In religion, an event caused by God or a holy power that seems impossible according to the laws of nature.
divine supernatural event
➕
/dɪˈvaɪn ˌsuːpərˈnætʃrəl ɪˈvent/
n.
A supernatural event attributed to divine intervention, defying natural laws.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Many ancient stories tell of miracles, like walking on water or healing the blind.
Many ancient stories tell of miracles, like walking on water or healing the blind.
🔗 Collocations
perform a miracle – To accomplish a supernatural act by divine power.
miracle of faith – A miracle that strengthens religious belief.
miracle story – A narrative recounting a supernatural event.
🔄 Synonyms
sign (n.) – In religion, a miracle or prodigy as proof of divine power.
prodigy (n.) – An amazing or unusual event, especially one brought about by a deity.
supernatural event (n.) – An occurrence beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.
🚫 Antonyms
natural law (n.) – A principle describing the regular operation of the natural world.
Wordbook
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