C1noun2K

Miracle

UK /["/ˈmɪrəkl/"]/US /["/ˈmɪrəkl/"]/

Definition

an act or event that does not follow the laws of nature and is believed to be caused by God

In simple words: An amazing event that seems impossible but happens anyway.

Examples

  • The birth of the child after years of infertility was considered a miracle by the family.
  • Many people believe a miracle saved the hikers from the avalanche.
  • It is a miracle that the ancient manuscript survived the war intact.
  • His rapid recovery from the serious illness was described as nothing short of a miracle.
  • The financial success of the small startup was a miracle in today’s tough economy.
  • For many, technological advances often seem like modern-day miracles.

Usage notes

Use 'miracle' in both serious and casual contexts when talking about extraordinary events. It's less appropriate for everyday situations. In formal contexts, it might refer to religious events, while in casual use, it can refer to any surprising good fortune.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Miracle sounds like 'mirror-cool' — think of looking in a mirror and seeing a cool, surprising reflection.

Collocations

  • great
  • real
  • true
  • create
  • do
  • make
  • happen
  • occur
  • worker
  • story
  • cure
  • by a miracle
  • great
  • real
  • true
  • create
  • do
  • make
  • happen
  • occur
  • worker
  • story
  • cure
  • by a miracle

Synonyms

  • wonder
  • wonder
  • wonder

Antonyms

  • disaster
  • failure
  • catastrophe

Common mistakes

  • Using 'miracle' to describe common good luck instead of extraordinary events.
  • Confusing 'miracle' with 'marvel' which implies admiration rather than the unexpected.
  • Saying 'the miracle happens' instead of 'a miracle happens' or 'miracles happen'.