architectural marvel
/ˌɑːrkɪˈtɛktʃərəl ˈmɑːrvəl/
Meaning
An architectural marvel is a building or structure that is exceptionally beautiful, innovative, complex, or historically significant. It is a neutral-to-expressive collocation used by travel writers, tour guides, and tourists to describe outstanding feats of engineering and design. It carries an appreciative, awe-inspired tone.
Examples
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The Taj Mahal is widely considered an architectural marvel of the Mughal Empire.
The Taj Mahal is widely considered an architectural marvel of the Mughal Empire.
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Modern skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa are true architectural marvels of the 21st century.
Modern skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa are true architectural marvels of the 21st century.
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Our tour guide pointed out the intricate details of the cathedral, calling it a medieval architectural marvel.
Our tour guide pointed out the intricate details of the cathedral, calling it a medieval architectural marvel.
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The ancient city of Petra is an architectural marvel carved directly into red sandstone cliffs.
The ancient city of Petra is an architectural marvel carved directly into red sandstone cliffs.
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I was absolutely mesmerized by the Sydney Opera House, which is a modern architectural marvel.
I was absolutely mesmerized by the Sydney Opera House, which is a modern architectural marvel.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The Grand Canyon is an amazing architectural marvel.
✓ The Grand Canyon is an amazing natural wonder.
'Architectural' refers strictly to man-made buildings and structures, not natural landscapes or geological formations.
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✗ My uncle built an architectural marvel dog house in his backyard.
✓ My uncle built an impressive dog house in his backyard.
'Architectural marvel' is reserved for grand, highly complex, or globally significant structures, not simple DIY home projects.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Sagrada Família in Barcelona is an ___ that remains unfinished to this day.
💡 An extraordinarily designed and built structure.
Show answer
architectural marvel
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The ancient Romans built several ___s, including the Colosseum and the aqueducts.
💡 A masterpiece of building design and construction.
Show answer
architectural marvel