Wander or Wonder? Don’t Get Lost in Thought!

Wander vs. Wonder

Wander and wonder are two words that sound similar but have different meanings. Let’s learn what these words mean, where they come from, and how to use them.

The History

• Wander: The word “wander” comes from old English words like “wandrian,” which means to walk around without a clear direction.
• Wonder: The word “wonder” comes from the old English word “wundor,” which means to feel amazement or be curious about something.

How to Use Them

Wander: When you wander, you walk around with no specific plan. You move about freely, often exploring.

Wonder: When you wonder, you think about something and feel curious or amazed. You ask questions in your mind.

Example Sentences for Wander

• He likes to wander in the park after school.
• The cat wanders around the backyard.
• We wandered through the forest for hours.
• Tourists wander through the city, taking photos.
• Sometimes I wander the streets just to clear my mind.

Example Sentences for Wonder

• I often wonder what life is like on other planets.
• She wonders if she will make new friends at her new school.
• We wonder why the sky is blue.
• He wonders how birds can fly so high.
• The children wonder about the world around them.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Wander: Think of a “wandering” path; people walk around.

Wonder: Think of a “wondering” question in your mind.

Summary

In short, “wander” is about moving around without a clear path, usually on foot. “Wonder” is about thinking and feeling curious or amazed about something. Remember, if you think about something, it’s wonder; if you walk around, it’s wander.