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English Lexicon

Formidable

/ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl/
adjectiveCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #2850 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable.

    "She presented a formidable challenge to the reigning champion."
  2. 2

    Difficult to defeat, overcome, or deal with.

    "The team faced a formidable task in rebuilding the damaged infrastructure."
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Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'formidabilis', meaning 'inspiring fear' or 'dreadful', stemming from the verb 'formidare' (to fear). Entering Middle English via Old French in the 15th century, the word shifted over time from strictly denoting something terrifying to denoting any person or thing inspiring awe, respect, or impressive strength through sheer power and capability.

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