Meaning & use
wonders of the orient
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Meaning
phrasefixed phraseold-fashionedliterary
the impressive or famous sights and features of Asia, especially as seen by Western travelers in the past
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, often after verbs like see, visit, or describe.
Patterns
- see the wonders of the orient
- visit the wonders of the orient
- describe the wonders of the orient
In the 19th century, European travelers wrote books about the wonders of the orient.
The exhibition displays paintings of the wonders of the orient, from mosques to ancient temples.
Common combinations
- see the wonders of the orient
- Few tourists today set out to see the wonders of the orient as past explorers did.
- the wonders of the orient
- The phrase 'the wonders of the orient' appears in many old travel books.
- discover the wonders of the orient
- Merchants and missionaries claimed to have discovered the wonders of the orient.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sights of Asia
- A modern, neutral alternative that avoids the old-fashioned feel of 'the orient'.
- Eastern marvels
- More poetic and less common; it keeps the romantic tone but is not a standard phrase.
Commonly confused: wonders of the orient or orient?
wonders of the orient vs orient
As a verb, 'orient' means to find your position or to aim something; as a noun, 'the Orient' refers to Asia, but it is now often considered dated.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'wonders of the orient' most naturally?
Choose one answer.
The phrase is a fixed noun phrase meaning impressive sights of Asia, so it fits after verbs like 'described'. The other options break the phrase apart or use incorrect verb forms.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “wonders of the orient”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.