miracle 🔊
Meaning of miracle
An extraordinary and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to a divine agency.
Key Difference
A miracle is often seen as an act of divine intervention, whereas its synonyms may imply extraordinary events without necessarily invoking the supernatural.
Example of miracle
- The sudden recovery of the patient from a terminal illness was considered a miracle by the doctors.
- Many believe the parting of the Red Sea in the biblical story was a miracle.
Synonyms
wonder 🔊
Meaning of wonder
A feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar.
Key Difference
A wonder is more about the feeling of awe, while a miracle implies divine intervention.
Example of wonder
- The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that leaves visitors speechless.
- The technological advancements of the 21st century are a wonder to behold.
marvel 🔊
Meaning of marvel
Something that causes wonder or astonishment.
Key Difference
A marvel is often used for human-made achievements, while a miracle is typically supernatural.
Example of marvel
- The construction of the pyramids remains a marvel of ancient engineering.
- The latest AI developments are a marvel of modern science.
phenomenon 🔊
Meaning of phenomenon
A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.
Key Difference
A phenomenon can be natural or scientific, while a miracle defies such explanations.
Example of phenomenon
- The northern lights are a breathtaking natural phenomenon.
- The sudden rise of the internet was a cultural phenomenon.
blessing 🔊
Meaning of blessing
A beneficial thing for which one is grateful; something that brings well-being.
Key Difference
A blessing is a gift from a divine source, but not necessarily an extraordinary event like a miracle.
Example of blessing
- Having a supportive family is a true blessing in life.
- The rain after a long drought was seen as a blessing by the farmers.
prodigy 🔊
Meaning of prodigy
An extraordinary thing or occurrence; an amazing or unusual example of something.
Key Difference
A prodigy often refers to exceptional talent or ability, while a miracle is beyond natural laws.
Example of prodigy
- Mozart was a child prodigy who composed music at a very young age.
- The athlete's performance was nothing short of a prodigy.
sign 🔊
Meaning of sign
An event whose occurrence indicates the probable occurrence of something else; often with religious connotations.
Key Difference
A sign points to something else, while a miracle is the extraordinary event itself.
Example of sign
- The rainbow was seen as a sign of hope after the storm.
- Many interpreted the eclipse as a sign of impending change.
supernatural event 🔊
Meaning of supernatural event
An occurrence that cannot be explained by natural laws and is attributed to forces beyond scientific understanding.
Key Difference
A supernatural event is broader and may not carry the positive connotation of a miracle.
Example of supernatural event
- The ghostly apparition was dismissed as a supernatural event by skeptics.
- Some cultures view certain dreams as supernatural events.
divine intervention 🔊
Meaning of divine intervention
Direct involvement of God or a deity in human affairs.
Key Difference
Divine intervention is the mechanism behind a miracle, while a miracle is the event itself.
Example of divine intervention
- The survivors of the plane crash attributed their survival to divine intervention.
- Some believe that historical turning points are results of divine intervention.
mystery 🔊
Meaning of mystery
Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.
Key Difference
A mystery may remain unexplained, while a miracle is often attributed to divine will.
Example of mystery
- The disappearance of the ancient civilization remains a mystery.
- The origins of the universe are one of the greatest mysteries.
Conclusion
- A miracle is best used when referring to events that seem impossible without divine or supernatural intervention, often carrying a positive or hopeful connotation.
- Wonder can be used in situations that inspire awe, whether natural or man-made, without implying the supernatural.
- Marvel is ideal when describing human achievements or extraordinary creations that astonish people.
- Phenomenon is the right choice for observable events that may or may not have a scientific explanation.
- Blessing should be used for things that bring gratitude and well-being, often seen as gifts from a higher power.
- Prodigy fits when describing exceptional talent or abilities that seem beyond ordinary limits.
- Sign is appropriate when an event is interpreted as having a deeper meaning or message.
- Supernatural event works for occurrences beyond natural explanation, without the positive tone of a miracle.
- Divine intervention is used when emphasizing the direct action of a deity in human affairs.
- Mystery is best for situations that defy explanation, without necessarily invoking the divine.