Formidable
/ˈfɔːrmɪdəbl/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Formidable describes something or someone that is very strong, large, or impressive. It can make people feel respect or fear because it is not easy to face or overcome. It is often used for challenges, opponents, or tasks that seem difficult.
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See It in Action
Very strong or powerful in a way that causes respect or fear
- •The boxer was a formidable opponent in the ring.
- •Climbing that mountain is a formidable challenge for beginners.
- •She has a formidable reputation as a lawyer.
Impressive and difficult to deal with
- •The team faced a formidable task to finish the project on time.
- •The company built a formidable defense system against hackers.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "formidable" like "big" or "strong" but with a feeling of respect or fear because it is hard to handle
- ✓Picture a tall mountain or a big lion that looks powerful and hard to beat
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you see something or someone very skilled or strong, and you feel a little worried but also impressed
- ✓Sounds like "FOR-mid-uh-bull" → imagine a strong bull standing in front of you, making you careful and respectful
- ✓Think of a sports team that is very good and hard to win against—that team is formidable
- ✓NOT like "easy" or "small"—formidable means the opposite: something big or strong enough to be a challenge
- ✓NOT like "friendly"—formidable can cause fear or respect, not comfort
- ✓NOT just "strong"—formidable also means impressive and sometimes a little scary because of that strength
Try Other Words
- •Powerful: having great strength or influence (Use when focusing on physical or general strength)
- •Impressive: causing admiration because it is very good or large (Use when focusing on admiration rather than fear)
- •Difficult: not easy to do or deal with (Use when focusing only on the challenge, without respect or fear)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Latin "formidare" meaning "to fear" + suffix "-able" meaning "able to be"
- •Etymology: Comes from Latin, where it meant something that causes fear or dread
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe something that causes fear; over time it also gained the meaning of respect and admiration for strength or difficulty
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people, things, or tasks that are very strong, impressive, or hard to face
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of situations or people do you find formidable in your life, and why?
•Can something be formidable but also inspiring? How do these feelings work together?
Fill in the blanks
1.The boxer was formidable because he had ___ strength and skill that made others respect him.
2.Climbing the mountain was a formidable challenge ___ beginners who had little experience.
3.She faced a formidable opponent who was not only strong but also very ___.
4.The team worked hard to complete the formidable task ___ on time despite many difficulties.
5.Unlike easy problems, formidable problems require a lot of ___ and effort to solve.
6.The general built a formidable defense system that made enemies ___ attacking.
7.When you see a formidable person, you often feel both respect and a little ___.