wondering

Related to wondering: wandering

(I am/was) just wondering.

I only asked (the previous question) out of curiosity. A: "Why do you want to know how much money I have in my savings account?" B: "Oh, no reason really. Just wondering." A: "Don't you think it's a bit rude to ask someone such a personal question?" B: "Sorry, I wasn't trying to pry. I was just wondering."
See also: just

(I am/was) only wondering.

I only asked (the previous question) out of curiosity. A: "Why do you want to know how much money I have in my savings account?" B: "Oh, no reason really. Only wondering." A: "Don't you think it's a bit rude to ask someone such a personal question?" B: "Sorry, I wasn't trying to pry. I was only wondering."

wonder about (someone or something)

1. To have a strong curiosity about someone or something. Whenever I visit ancient structures like these, I can't help but wonder about how on earth people back then could have built them without the tools and knowledge we have now. People have been wondering for years about the enigmatic leader of the company.
2. To be doubtful or uncertain about someone or something. He seems genuine, but I have to wonder about his motivations, given what he has said in the past. If you're wondering about our new project manager, let me assure you that she is more than able for the job.
See also: wonder

wonder at (someone or something)

1. To be in stunned awe or amazement at someone or something. I remember visiting the planetarium as a kid, wondering at the enormity and complexity of the universe. Bystanders wondered at the heroic figure as she kept going back into the burning building to rescue the people trapped inside.
2. To be baffled or astonished by something, often in a dubious or suspicious manner. I have to wonder at the leader's decision to join the world summit, given what he has said about it in the past. We all wondered at the cryptic message sent to us by the director of the company.
See also: wonder

wonder if (something)

1. To speculate about some possible situation, occurrence, or outcome. Sometimes used informally as a bare infinitive without a subject. She wondered if Tom would be all right after their breakup. I was left wondering if I had done all that I could have. Wow, that cake was delicious! Wonder if there's any more.
2. Used to form a polite request for something. I wonder if I could trouble you for a pen and some paper. I would like to write a letter to my family back home. A: "Good evening, sir. You rang the call bell?" B: "Yes. I was wondering if you would mind carrying these bags up to our room for us."
See also: if, wonder

wonder whether (something)

Used to form a polite request for something. I wonder whether I could trouble you for a pen and some paper. I would like to write a letter to my family back home. A: "Good evening, sir. You rang the call bell?" B: "Yes. I was wondering whether you would mind carrying these bags up to our room for us."
See also: wonder
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(I was) just wondering.

a comment made after hearing a response to a previous question. (See examples for typical patterns.) John: Do you always keep your film in the refrigerator? Mary: Yes, why? John: I was just wondering. Bob: Did this cost a lot? Sue: I really don't think you need to know that. Bob: Sorry. Just wondering.
See also: just, wondering
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • (I am/was) just wondering.
  • (I am/was) only wondering.
  • just wondering
  • dip into (one's) savings
  • dip into savings
  • accrue
  • accrue to
  • accrue to (something)
  • pay (for something) through (something)
  • pay through
References in periodicals archive
That's what the people are staring at and wondering about in the first reading.
Luke says that at first the disciples were disbelieving and wondering in their joy.
Third Sunday of Easter May 4, 2003. (Preaching Helps)
The pure wonder of Wilson's collection lies, Weschler writes, in the shimmer between wondering at and wondering whether, concluding: ...
Light box
I became fascinated by famous homosexuals, staring at their photographs and wondering what we had in common.
I became paranoid all over again, wondering why they could fulfill a reporter's request for the president's files in a matter of days, but kept on stalling me.
KEEPING AN EYE OUT
Wondering at the many things that the story of the Annunciation might mean, I take refuge in the fact that for centuries so many poets and painters have found it worthy of consideration.
In many cases, the young women were reasoning in a mature fashion, doubting that they were ready for sex, at 14 or 17 years of age, and wondering if their boyfriends were as ready as they pretended to be.
How can this be?
Wondering about the results of festival residencies adds to the yearly anticipation of the International Choreographers and Young Choreographers and Composers programs.
American Dance Festival
While some days the questioning and the wondering might seem too much, it is something to cherish for it seems that all too quickly the flame of inquiry starts to flicker and fade.
This thinking tool is my favourite way to foster the skill of wondering. The See, Think, Wonder routine comes from Project Zero at Harvard University.
The use of them encourages students to keep asking questions and wondering about the world around them.
Text, Twitter and Tweet: wonderment in literacy learning
I'm talking about mason jars full of iced tea and her head on your shoulder speaking her dreams just above a whisper and you wondering if you could be in them
Her face