miracles
/ˈmɪrəkəlz/
noun
Origin
Latin
miraculum — an object of wonder
Overview
Meaning Now
- An extraordinary event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to a divine agency.
- A wonderful or astonishing event or person.
Literal older meaning
wonder or marvel
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
miracle
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
In medieval theology, miracles were central to the validation of saints and the divine authority of the Church, often documented in 'miracula' texts.
Evolution
- Latin
miraculum
“a marvel, wonder, or something that causes wonder”
Derived from the verb 'mirari' (to wonder at).
- Old French
miracle
“a wonder or miracle”
Transitioned through Romance languages.
- Middle English
miracle
“a divine wonder”
Entered English via Norman French influence.
Connections
Word parts
miracle
root
wonder
-s
suffix
plural marker
Related across languages
Spanish
milagro
miracle
Italian
miracolo
miracle
French
miracle
miracle
Related words
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