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architectural marvel

architectural marvel

1 5.6
A building with an impressive design that many people admire
  • noun
  • /ˌɑːrkɪˈtɛkʧərəl ˈmɑrvəl/
translation icon : maravilla arquitectónica
  • The Sydney Opera House is an architectural marvel known for its distinctive sail-like design.

Examples

  • The Eiffel Tower stands as an architectural marvel that showcases innovative engineering and artistic flair.

  • And will this architectural marvel become dirty, dusty, and seedy?

    Blog text (29)
  • The Sydney Opera House (upper right) is one of the world's architectural marvels and an icon for the nation.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The wide spectrum of entertainment in Paris includes the ornate grandeur of the Palais Garnier, the famed opera house that is a mid-19th century architectural marvel.

    Blog text (7)
  • Many tourists visit the Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel famous for its stunning symmetry and elaborate details.

Synonyms

marvel
vsarchitectural marvel
122 4.1

Something that causes strong surprise or wonder

refers specifically to a building praised for its design and construction
glorious sight
vsarchitectural marvel
1 3.5

A very beautiful view that makes you feel amazed

applies to built structures admired for design rather than general visual beauty
marvel of engineering
vsarchitectural marvel
1 5.6

A very impressive building, machine, or design that shows great skill

focuses more on design and construction artistry than pure technical skill

How Impressive

architectural marvel
1 5.6
landmark
80 3.5
notable
112 3.7
building
1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

architectural + marvel

The phrase is fully compositional: 'architectural' (relating to design/construction) modifies 'marvel' (something that provokes admiration), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer 'a structure admired for its design or construction'. The adjective + noun pattern is straightforward and cross-linguistically common, making the expression transparent to B1 learners.

Etymology

The phrase architectural marvel combines architectural, meaning about building design, and marvel, meaning something that makes people wonder. Imagine a bridge or temple so beautiful or clever that people stop and stare; that's why the phrase means 'a building admired for its design'.