formidable

/fəˈmɪdəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɔːrmɪdəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl fȯr-ˈmi-də-bəl fər-ˈmi-də-bəl/ (ame, mw)

formidable — adjective

  • formidablepositive
  • more formidablecomparative
  • most formidablesuperlative

1. describes a task, problem, or opponent that is so hard to deal with that you fee

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a task, problem, or opponent that is so hard to deal with that you feel anxious or doubtful about whether you can succeed.

例句

The climbers faced a formidable storm near the summit, with winds over 120 kilometres per hour.

formidable + noun (storm) for a natural obstacle

Osei studied every evening for months because the bar exam was a formidable challenge.

同義詞
  • daunting

    more about discouraging someone from trying; slightly less intense than formidable

  • intimidating

    focuses on causing fear rather than respect; used more for people than tasks

  • arduous

    only describes physical or mental effort; does not carry the sense of fear

反義詞
  • easy

    without difficulty; the opposite of a demanding task

  • manageable

    possible to handle without great struggle

文法句型

formidable + noun (challenge/task/opponent)

be + formidable

用法筆記

Often used before a noun (a formidable challenge) but also common after linking verbs (the task was formidable). Subject is typically an impersonal obstacle or situation rather than a person.

常見錯誤

❌The exam was formidable difficult.
✅The exam was a formidable challenge.
💡'Formidable' is an adjective, not an adverb; do not use it to modify another adjective.
❌I felt formidable about the test.
✅The test was formidable.
💡'Formidable' describes the thing that creates the feeling, not the feeling itself.

2. having great skill, knowledge, strength, or presence that makes people feel resp

2.形容詞B2
釋義

having great skill, knowledge, strength, or presence that makes people feel respect and admiration, often with a touch of fear.

例句

Professor Amina Hassan was a formidable scholar whose research on climate change won three international awards.

formidable + noun (scholar) for a respected expert

The old castle stood proudly on the hill, a formidable stone structure with towers that reached the clouds.

同義詞
  • impressive

    general admiration without the element of fear; weaker than formidable

  • redoubtable

    very formal; used for someone held in awe, often with humour

  • awe-inspiring

    emphasises wonder and amazement more than fear

反義詞
  • mediocre

    average or ordinary; the opposite of outstanding

  • unremarkable

    not worthy of special attention or respect

文法句型

formidable + noun (reputation/figure/scholar)

be + formidable

用法筆記

When describing a person, this sense conveys admiration mixed with wariness. It differs from 'DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH' (Sense 1) because here the focus is on the person's admirable qualities rather than the difficulty of the situation.

常見錯誤

❌She is a very formidable person, so everyone likes her.
✅She is a formidable person, and everyone respects her, though some are also a little afraid of her.
💡'Formidable' always suggests a mix of respect and wariness, not pure friendliness.