formidable
gb/fˈɔɹmədəbəl/ us/fˈɔɹmədəbəl/
B2
English
~ 4000
félelmetes, komoly, tekintélyt parancsoló, tekintélyes, hatalmas, impozáns
B2
1
Usage pattern:
a formidable [opponent/challenge/task]
The team faced a formidable opponent in the championship match.
A csapat félelmetes ellenféllel került szembe a bajnoki döntőben.
Climbing the mountain was a formidable challenge even for experienced hikers.
A hegy megmászása még a tapasztalt túrázók számára is félelmetes kihívást jelentett.
She has a formidable reputation as one of the best lawyers in the country.
The army met a formidable force at the border.
His formidable skills in negotiation saved the company millions.
Learner examples
The test was a formidable challenge for the students.
A teszt félelmetes kihívás volt a diákok számára.
He is a formidable player on the soccer team.
Félelmetes játékos a focicsapatban.
The tall building looked formidable against the sky.
She is a formidable leader with many skills.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'formidable' with 'formative', which means 'shaping development'. They are unrelated in meaning.
Meaning
Inspiring fear or respect
Collocations
formidable opponent
|formidable challenge
|formidable reputation
|formidable task
|formidable force
Synonyms
intimidating (Focuses more on causing nervousness or fear through presence or manner.)
|
impressive (Highlights admiration more than fear.)
Antonyms
weak (Lacking strength, power, or influence.)
|
unimpressive (Failing to cause admiration or respect.)
Themes
emotions
|competition
|descriptions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Making people feel afraid or full of respect because of great power, size, or skill.
Causing feelings of fear, respect, or awe because of being large, powerful, intense, or capable.
B2
2
Usage pattern:
a formidable [amount/array/record]
The company has built a formidable record of success over the past decade.
A vállalat az elmúlt évtizedben impozáns sikersorozatot tudhat maga mögött.
She produced a formidable amount of research for her thesis.
A szakdolgozatához tekintélyes mennyiségű kutatómunkát végzett.
The museum houses a formidable array of ancient artifacts.
He has a formidable knowledge of world history.
Learner examples
He has a formidable amount of work to do.
Hatalmas mennyiségű munka vár rá.
The team has a formidable record this year.
Idén impozáns mérlege van a csapatnak.
She wrote a formidable list of names.
The library has a formidable number of books.
Meaning
Impressively great in degree or extent
Collocations
formidable amount
|formidable array
|formidable record
|formidable list
Synonyms
remarkable (Emphasizes being worthy of notice; may lack sense of power.)
|
mighty (Conveys great strength or power, often more literary.)
Antonyms
ordinary (Not special in size or degree.)
|
modest (Small in amount or extent.)
Themes
descriptions
|achievement
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very big, strong, or great in a way that makes you admire it.
Remarkably impressive in size, strength, intensity, or ability, often without implying fear.
Grammar
Dictionary form
formidable
IPA
GB/fˈɔɹmədəbəl/
US/fˈɔɹmədəbəl/
Syllables & stress
for - mid - able (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (for)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: formidable
Word family
Core family
formidably
adverb C1
Advanced or less common
formidability
noun
Expressions
a formidable challenge
1/ə fˈɔɹmədəbəl t͡ʃˈælɪnd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
A very difficult situation to deal with
Something that is very hard to do or solve and needs great skill, effort, or courage.
Examples
- Launching a new product in this market will be a formidable challenge.
- Climbing Mount Everest is considered a formidable challenge even for experts.
a formidable opponent
1/ə fˈɔɹmədəbəl əpˈoʊnənt/
fixed phrase
A very strong competitor or enemy
A person or group that is very hard to beat because they are strong, skilled, or powerful.
Examples
- The champion boxer proved to be a formidable opponent.
- In the debate, she faced a formidable opponent with years of experience.
a formidable task
1/ə fˈɔɹmədəbəl tˈæsk/
fixed phrase
A very difficult job or responsibility
A job or duty that is very hard to do because it needs a lot of skill, effort, or courage.
Examples
- Finishing the project in two days will be a formidable task.
- Raising three children alone is a formidable task for anyone.