mirabilis
[miːˈraː.bɪ.lɪs]
The English phrase 'awesome' is translated into Latin as mirabilis.
The term is used to describe something that is excellent or exciting. It is specifically focused on the quality of being marvelous or something that inspires wonder, rather than the modern slang usage of 'awesome' meaning 'very good'.
Meaning: excellent, exciting (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb mirari, meaning 'to wonder at', so it literally conveys the sense of something that causes wonder, such as being wonderful, marvelous or amazing.
Which one should you use?
While mirabilis captures the essence of being awesome through the lens of wonder, it is a more precise term for something marvelous than the contemporary English slang term.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use mirabile when describing a neuter noun. If the adjective is the direct object of a verb, use the accusative singular form mirabilem. To express 'of wonderful things' in the genitive plural, use mirabilium.
Did you know?
- Latin has a distinct word for 'awesome' in the sense of 'inspiring awe or fear', which is tremendus, meaning 'to be trembled at'.
- The suffix '-bilis' in mirabilis is the direct ancestor of the English suffix '-able', seen in words like 'remarkable' or 'memorable'.
- The phrase mirabile dictu is a common Latin idiom meaning 'wonderful to relate' or 'awesome to say'.
Examples in context
- Spectaculum fuit mirumThe show was awesome.
- Hic locus est fabulosusThis place is awesome (fabulous).
- Illud animal est mirabileThat animal is awesome.
- Ea recitātiō erat magnificaHer performance was awesome.
- Res mirabilis est.The thing is wonderful.
- Hic locus est mirabilis.This place is awesome.
- Idea tua mirabilis est.Your idea is awesome.
Example conversation
Julia and Lucius are looking at a beautiful painting.
- JuliaVide hanc picturam!Look at this painting!
- LuciusIta, est mirabilis.Yes, it is awesome.
- JuliaQuis hanc pinxit?Who painted this?
- LuciusMagister noster eam pinxit.Our teacher painted it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mirabilis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mirabilis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
