formidable means causing fear, dread, awe, or discouragement as a result of size, strength, or some other impressive feature; commanding respect; causing wonder or astonishment. It carries an Arena rating of 1979, earned across 25 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, formidable ranks #519 of 17,123 for Most Malleable Words, #1,305 of 17,113 for Most Elegant Words, #1,359 of 17,118 for Most Ponderous Words, #1,446 of 17,116 for Words That Escaped Their Books.
formidable is pronounced /fɔːˈmɪdəbəl/.
Why “formidable” is a great word
Inspiring fear, awe, or discouragement due to immense size, strength, or power, or being exceptionally difficult to overcome. From Middle English formidable, from Old French formidable, from Latin formīdābilis ('formidable, terrible'), from formīdō ('fear, dread'), first recorded in English 1400–50. Unlike 'intimidating,' which suggests a deliberate act of coercion, or 'redoubtable,' which demands respect earned through proven deeds, formidable describes an inherent, often monumental quality that commands a reactive dread or reverence. It is the silent, glaciated face of a mountain, the flawless and impenetrable logic of a master strategist, or the sheer, accumulating weight of a task that appears impossible—the quiet recognition of a force that reshapes the landscape of possibility simply by existing.
Etymology
From Middle English formidable, from Old French formidable, formible, from Latin formīdābilis (“formidable, terrible”) (whence -able), from formīdō (“fear, dread”).
adj
- Causing fear, dread, awe, or discouragement as a result of size, strength, or some other impressive feature; commanding respect; causing wonder or astonishment.
- Difficult to defeat or overcome.e.g.“a formidable opponent”
Words closest in meaning
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