Formidable!
Formidable! is a fun way to say that something is truly impressive or amazing.
Explanation at your level:
This word means 'very good' or 'amazing.' If you see something you really like, you can say 'Formidable!' It is like saying 'Wow, that is great!' You can use it when you see a fast car or a big building. It is a fun word to learn to sound like a native speaker.
When you use 'Formidable!', you are telling people that something is very impressive. It is a strong word. You might use it when a friend wins a hard game. It shows you are happy and surprised by how good they were. It is a great way to show your enthusiasm.
This word is used to express admiration. It is common to say 'Formidable!' when someone does something difficult with ease. It implies that the person or thing has great power or skill. It is a more sophisticated way to say 'excellent' or 'wonderful' in many different situations.
Using 'Formidable!' adds nuance to your English. It suggests that the thing you are praising is not just good, but intimidatingly excellent. It is often used in professional contexts to acknowledge a high level of competence. It bridges the gap between 'good' and 'truly remarkable.'
In advanced English, 'Formidable!' functions as an exclamation of profound respect. It captures the intersection of fear and admiration. When you use it, you are acknowledging that the subject has a commanding presence. It is frequently used in literary or academic critiques to describe works of art or intellectual feats that are overwhelming in their complexity and quality.
At this level, you understand that 'Formidable!' carries an etymological weight of 'awe.' It is a word that demands attention. Whether describing a formidable intellect or a formidable legacy, the interjection serves to highlight the sheer scale of the achievement. It is a word that evokes the sublime—something so great that it is almost beyond description, forcing the speaker to reach for a word that conveys both power and prestige.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Means impressive or powerful.
- Used as an exclamation of admiration.
- Comes from Latin 'to fear'.
- Best used for big achievements.
When you shout Formidable!, you are basically saying that something is incredibly impressive. It is a word that carries a lot of weight because it suggests that the object of your praise is powerful, skilled, or just plain awesome.
Think of it as the ultimate compliment for someone who is really good at what they do. Whether it is a giant mountain you just climbed or a friend who solved a difficult puzzle in seconds, this word tells everyone that you are truly impressed by the magnitude of the achievement.
The word comes from the Latin formidabilis, which means 'causing fear' or 'terrible.' Back in the day, it was used to describe things that were so scary or powerful that they made people tremble.
Over time, the meaning shifted from 'scary' to 'awe-inspiring.' In French, the word formidable became a very popular way to say 'great' or 'terrific.' English speakers adopted this enthusiastic usage, keeping the sense of power but swapping the fear for admiration.
You use this interjection when you want to sound sophisticated yet enthusiastic. It is common in formal settings, like after a speech or a high-level performance, but it can also be used in casual conversation to add a touch of flair.
It is often used alone as a standalone exclamation. You might hear people say, 'That performance was absolutely formidable!' or simply 'Formidable!' to show they are stunned by a display of talent.
While the word itself is often used as an exclamation, it appears in phrases like a formidable opponent, meaning someone very hard to beat. Another is a formidable challenge, describing a task that requires great effort. You might also hear a formidable presence, referring to someone who commands a room just by standing there. These expressions highlight the power behind the word.
As an interjection, it does not change form. In British English, the 'r' is often softened, while American English emphasizes the 'for' syllable. The stress is on the first syllable: FOR-mi-da-ble.
It rhymes with words like permittable or winnable, though the stress pattern is unique. Remember, it is a four-syllable word that sounds best when spoken with a bit of energy and a clear, sharp delivery.
Fun Fact
It originally meant something so scary it made people tremble!
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'for-mi-da-bl'.
Rhotic 'r' sound in the first syllable.
Common Errors
- Stressing the second syllable
- Pronouncing the 'i' as a long 'i'
- Adding an extra syllable at the end
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize
Use sparingly
Adds flair
Clear sound
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
Adjective usage
A formidable task
Interjection usage
Formidable!
Article usage
A formidable one
Examples by Level
Formidable! That is a fast bike.
Amazing! That is a fast bike.
Used as an exclamation.
Formidable! You won the race!
Formidable! What a great song.
Formidable! That is a big cake.
Formidable! You are very smart.
Formidable! I love this house.
Formidable! That is a cool trick.
Formidable! You did it!
Formidable! What a nice day.
Formidable! Your presentation was excellent.
Formidable! The team played so well.
Formidable! That is a tough mountain.
Formidable! You solved the problem.
Formidable! What a brave choice.
Formidable! The view is stunning.
Formidable! You are a great cook.
Formidable! A truly impressive feat.
Formidable! The way she plays chess is genius.
Formidable! That was a powerful speech.
Formidable! The architecture is breathtaking.
Formidable! A masterclass in acting.
Formidable! Your dedication is inspiring.
Formidable! An incredible display of skill.
Formidable! The project was a huge success.
Formidable! That is a formidable opponent.
Formidable! The complexity of the novel is staggering.
Formidable! A performance of such technical precision.
Formidable! The sheer scale of the operation is impressive.
Formidable! Your grasp of the subject is absolute.
Formidable! An intellectual achievement of the highest order.
Formidable! The strategy was flawlessly executed.
Formidable! A truly commanding presence on stage.
Formidable! The results are beyond expectations.
Formidable! The historical impact of this treaty is immense.
Formidable! Such a display of raw talent is rare.
Formidable! The structural integrity of this bridge is a marvel.
Formidable! A legacy that will stand the test of time.
Formidable! The depth of his research is unparalleled.
Formidable! An artistic vision of profound magnitude.
Formidable! The resilience shown in the face of adversity.
Formidable! A triumph of human spirit and engineering.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"A force to be reckoned with"
Someone very powerful.
She is a force to be reckoned with.
neutral"A tall order"
A difficult task.
Finishing by noon is a tall order.
casual"A mountain to climb"
A big challenge.
We have a mountain to climb.
neutral"In a league of one's own"
Better than everyone else.
He is in a league of his own.
neutral"Second to none"
The very best.
Her talent is second to none.
formal"Cut above the rest"
Superior quality.
This work is a cut above the rest.
neutralEasily Confused
Same spelling.
French is more general.
English: formidable skill; French: formidable day.
Both imply power.
Intimidating is negative.
He is an intimidating boss vs. a formidable leader.
Both are praise.
Formidable is stronger.
Great job vs. Formidable achievement.
Both imply strength.
Formidable implies awe.
Powerful engine vs. Formidable challenge.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + formidable
The task is formidable.
A + formidable + noun
A formidable opponent.
Formidable! + [Exclamation]
Formidable! That was great.
Find + [someone] + formidable
I find him formidable.
A + formidable + display + of + [noun]
A formidable display of skill.
Familia de palabras
Nouns
Adjectives
Relacionado
How to Use It
6
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
In modern English, it usually means 'impressive' not just 'scary'.
The final syllable is very short.
It implies a sense of scale.
French use is broader; English is more specific to power.
It loses impact if used for everything.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant bull (formidable) winning a trophy.
When Native Speakers Use It
After a great sports play.
Cultural Insight
It sounds very 'European' in style.
Grammar Shortcut
Always keep it as an adjective or exclamation.
Say It Right
Focus on the first syllable.
Don't Make This Mistake
Do not confuse it with 'formidable' in French.
Did You Know?
It has Latin roots.
Study Smart
Use it in a sentence today.
Context Tip
Best for high-level tasks.
Pattern Tip
Use with 'a' or 'an'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
For-Me-Da-Bull: It is for me, the bull!
Visual Association
A giant bull standing in a ring.
Word Web
Desafío
Use it to describe a friend's skill today.
Origen de la palabra
Latin
Original meaning: Causing fear
Contexto cultural
None, but can sound overly formal if used in a casual party.
Used often in sports and politics.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Sports
- A formidable athlete
- A formidable performance
- Formidable speed
Work
- A formidable strategy
- Formidable intellect
- A formidable team
Education
- A formidable essay
- Formidable research
- A formidable challenge
Arts
- A formidable actor
- Formidable talent
- A formidable show
Conversation Starters
"Who is the most formidable person you know?"
"What is the most formidable challenge you have faced?"
"Do you think a formidable opponent helps you learn?"
"Is it better to be formidable or friendly?"
"Have you ever seen a formidable performance?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you felt a challenge was formidable.
Write about a person who has a formidable presence.
Why do we admire formidable people?
Is being formidable always a good thing?
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasUsually, yes, in modern English.
Yes, if it is a huge, impressive meal.
It is common in written and formal speech.
It used to, but now it means impressive.
Yes, to praise their skill.
No, it is standard English.
For-mi-da-bl.
Only if you are praising someone.
Ponte a prueba
That was ___! You are so fast.
It expresses admiration.
Which means 'very impressive'?
Formidable implies size and power.
Can you use 'Formidable!' to describe a small, weak ant?
It is for large, impressive things.
Word
Significado
Matches word to meaning.
Subject-verb structure.
Her ___ intellect left us all speechless.
Intellect is often described as formidable.
What is the tone of 'Formidable'?
It denotes awe.
Formidable comes from a word meaning 'to love'.
It comes from 'to fear'.
Word
Significado
Advanced synonyms/antonyms.
Correct syntax.
Puntuación: /10
Summary
Formidable! is the perfect word to shout when you are truly stunned by someone's power or skill.
- Means impressive or powerful.
- Used as an exclamation of admiration.
- Comes from Latin 'to fear'.
- Best used for big achievements.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant bull (formidable) winning a trophy.
When Native Speakers Use It
After a great sports play.
Cultural Insight
It sounds very 'European' in style.
Grammar Shortcut
Always keep it as an adjective or exclamation.
Ejemplo
C'est une idée formidable ! Bravo !
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Esta palabra en otros idiomas
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abandon
B1The action or fact of abandoning someone or something; abandonment (can be emotional).
abasourdi
B1Stunned, dumbfounded, greatly astonished or shocked.
abattement
A2A state of extreme dejection; despondency.
abattu
A2In low spirits; disheartened; dejected.
abominable
B1Causing moral revulsion; detestable.
Accablant
B1Overwhelming or oppressive; crushing, burdensome.
accablé
A2Overwhelmed with a burden or strong emotion.
accablement
B1Feeling of being overwhelmed by sadness, grief, or fatigue; dejection, overwhelm.
accabler
B1To overwhelm (someone) with a burden or strong emotion.
Accabler de reproches
B1To overwhelm with reproaches; to heavily criticize.
