Meaning of Word
Formidable refers to something that is impressive in strength, size, or capability, and often causes fear or respect due to its power or difficulty.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Extremely powerful or intense, often in a way that causes fear or respect.
- Difficult to deal with or overcome due to strength, size, or intensity.
- Impressive or daunting in terms of ability or appearance.
History and Origin
The word “formidable” comes from the Latin “formidabilis,” meaning “to be feared,” which itself derives from “formido,” meaning “fear.” The term began to be used in English in the 16th century to describe something that inspires fear due to its magnitude or power. Over time, it has also come to describe anything that is impressively difficult or challenging.
Detailed Explanation
Formidable is used to describe something that is so powerful, impressive, or challenging that it commands respect, fear, or admiration. This could refer to a person, such as a competitor with great skill or strength, or an obstacle, such as a challenging task or problem that seems hard to overcome. In general, a formidable entity is not just difficult but awe-inspiring, often evoking a sense of both respect and apprehension.
Example Sentences
- The formidable opponent easily defeated all his competitors in the tournament.
- The mountain’s formidable height made it a difficult climb for even experienced hikers.
- Her formidable intelligence earned her a top position at the company.
- The soldiers faced a formidable challenge during their mission in enemy territory.
- The chef’s formidable cooking skills were evident in every dish.
- The storm was so formidable that it caused widespread damage across the region.
- He was known for his formidable presence in the courtroom, which intimidated opposing lawyers.
- Completing the project on time presented a formidable task for the team.
- The fortress was formidable, with thick walls and strong defenses.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Impressive – Evoking admiration due to size, skill, or strength.
- Intimidating – Causing fear or anxiety due to perceived power or challenge.
- Daunting – Seemingly overwhelming or difficult to confront.
- Alarming – Causing concern or fear because of its potential impact.
- Overwhelming – So powerful or intense that it is hard to cope with or resist.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Fearsome – Inspiring fear due to power or difficulty.
- Mighty – Having great power or strength, often used to describe formidable forces.
- Challenging – Requiring effort and determination, often used to describe formidable tasks.
- Vast – Large in size or scope, contributing to a formidable presence.
- Powerful – Having great strength or influence, similar to something formidable.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Formidable opponent – A competitor who is difficult to defeat due to their strength or skill.
- Formidable task – A job or challenge that is difficult to accomplish due to its complexity or size.
- Formidable barrier – An obstacle that is hard to overcome due to its magnitude or difficulty.
- Formidable leader – A person in a leadership position who commands great respect due to their skills and authority.
- Formidable obstacle – A challenge or hindrance that seems almost impossible to surpass.
Antonyms
- Weak – Lacking strength or power, the opposite of formidable.
- Unimpressive – Not evoking respect or admiration due to lack of strength or impact.
- Insignificant – Lacking importance or influence, unlike something formidable.
- Trivial – Not serious or important, the opposite of something formidable.
- Feeble – Lacking strength or effectiveness, the opposite of formidable.