When we say something or someone is formidable, it means they are very impressive and can make you feel a little bit afraid or very respectful. Imagine a really strong opponent in a game; they would be formidable.
It's often used for things that are quite difficult or powerful. So, a very hard challenge or a very strong team could be called formidable.
§ Common Misunderstandings
The word "formidable" carries a strong connotation of power, difficulty, or an impressive quality that commands respect, and sometimes fear. However, it's not uncommon for learners, particularly at the C1 level, to misuse it in contexts where a simpler or different adjective would be more appropriate. Understanding the nuances of "formidable" is key to using it effectively.
§ Overuse in Everyday Situations
One of the most frequent errors is using "formidable" to describe ordinary challenges or situations that are merely difficult or inconvenient, rather than genuinely awe-inspiring or daunting. For instance, describing a long queue at the supermarket as "formidable" is an exaggeration. While it might be annoying, it rarely inspires fear or immense respect.
§ Confusing with Merely "Difficult" or "Hard"
While a formidable task is certainly difficult, not every difficult task is formidable. "Formidable" suggests a challenge that might seem overwhelming, one that requires significant effort, strategy, or courage to overcome. A crossword puzzle, for example, can be difficult, but it's unlikely to be described as formidable unless it possesses an extraordinary level of complexity that truly impresses or intimidates.
The mountaineers faced a formidable ascent, battling blizzards and treacherous icefalls.
Here, "formidable" is appropriate because the ascent presents a serious, potentially life-threatening challenge.
§ Using It for Minor Obstacles or Annoyances
Another error is to apply "formidable" to minor inconveniences or small obstacles. For instance, calling a slightly delayed train a "formidable" problem would be incorrect. The word implies a significant barrier or opponent, not a mere hiccup.
§ Incorrectly Applying to Positive but Not Awe-Inspiring Qualities
While "formidable" can have positive connotations (e.g., a formidable intellect), it's important that the positive quality still evokes a sense of impressive power or respect that might border on intimidation. Simply being intelligent or skilled isn't enough. There must be an element of magnitude or exceptionalism.
- Incorrect Usage Example
- "She's a formidable cook; her dinners are always delicious."
While her cooking might be excellent, "formidable" suggests a level of culinary power or challenge that is likely an overstatement. "Excellent" or "masterful" would be more fitting.
- Correct Usage Example
- "The chess grandmaster was a formidable opponent, known for his relentless attacking style."
In this case, the grandmaster's skill inspires respect and perhaps a little fear in his opponents, making "formidable" appropriate.
§ Neglecting the Element of Respect or Awe
The definition of "formidable" includes inspiring respect or awe. If the context doesn't convey this element, the word might be misplaced. For example, a messy room is not formidable; it might be chaotic or untidy, but it doesn't command respect or awe.
§ Summary of Key Distinctions
- Magnitude: "Formidable" implies a significant scale or intensity.
- Challenge/Difficulty: It refers to a high level of difficulty or a significant obstacle.
- Impact: It often evokes a sense of awe, respect, or even fear.
- Opponent/Task: Commonly used for opponents, challenges, or tasks that are daunting.
By keeping these distinctions in mind, learners can avoid common pitfalls and use "formidable" with precision and impact, enhancing their C1-level English proficiency.
Niveau de difficulté
The word itself is not too long, but understanding its nuanced meaning and application requires a higher level of comprehension.
Using 'formidable' correctly in written English requires precision to convey the appropriate sense of inspiring fear, respect, or awe. Misuse could lead to an awkward or incorrect tone.
Pronunciation is fairly straightforward, but using it naturally and appropriately in spoken conversation can be challenging for non-native speakers, often requiring a good grasp of context and register.
The pronunciation is consistent, so recognizing it in spoken English shouldn't be too difficult once familiar with the word.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Exemples par niveau
The new chess champion proved to be a formidable opponent, winning every game easily.
新しいチェスのチャンピオンは手ごわい相手であることがわかり、すべてのゲームに簡単に勝ちました。
Climbing Mount Everest is a formidable challenge, even for experienced mountaineers.
エベレストに登るのは、経験豊富な登山家にとっても手ごわい挑戦です。
She has a formidable intellect, capable of understanding complex theories quickly.
彼女は複雑な理論を素早く理解できる手ごわい知性の持ち主です。
The company faced a formidable task in rebuilding its reputation after the scandal.
その会社は、スキャンダルの後、評判を再構築するという手ごわい課題に直面しました。
With his size and strength, he was a formidable presence on the football field.
彼の体格と強さで、彼はフットボールのフィールドで手ごわい存在でした。
The ancient castle stood as a formidable fortress, protecting the city for centuries.
その古代の城は、何世紀にもわたって都市を守る手ごわい要塞として立っていました。
The exam was formidable, requiring hours of intense study and preparation.
その試験は手ごわく、何時間もの集中的な学習と準備が必要でした。
Despite the formidable obstacles, they managed to complete the project on time.
手ごわい障害にもかかわらず、彼らは時間通りにプロジェクトを完了することができました。
The company faced a formidable challenge in expanding into new international markets, encountering stiff competition and complex regulations.
Formidable describes something that inspires fear, respect, or awe due to its size, power, or difficulty.
Used as an adjective modifying 'challenge'.
With her formidable intellect and years of experience, she quickly rose to a leadership position within the organization.
Formidable describes something that inspires fear, respect, or awe due to its size, power, or difficulty.
Used as an adjective modifying 'intellect'.
The ancient fortress, with its towering walls and strategic location, was considered a formidable stronghold, virtually impregnable.
Formidable describes something that inspires fear, respect, or awe due to its size, power, or difficulty.
Used as an adjective modifying 'stronghold'.
Facing a formidable opponent in the championship match, the team knew they would have to play their absolute best to secure a victory.
Formidable describes something that inspires fear, respect, or awe due to its size, power, or difficulty.
Used as an adjective modifying 'opponent'.
The task of completely redesigning the entire software system proved to be a formidable undertaking, requiring months of dedicated effort.
Formidable describes something that inspires fear, respect, or awe due to its size, power, or difficulty.
Used as an adjective modifying 'undertaking'.
Even for experienced mountaineers, scaling the formidable peaks of the Himalayas presents an immense and dangerous challenge.
Formidable describes something that inspires fear, respect, or awe due to its size, power, or difficulty.
Used as an adjective modifying 'peaks'.
Her formidable reputation as a meticulous researcher preceded her, making her a highly respected figure in the academic community.
Formidable describes something that inspires fear, respect, or awe due to its size, power, or difficulty.
Used as an adjective modifying 'reputation'.
The country's formidable military forces served as a deterrent to potential aggressors, ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Formidable describes something that inspires fear, respect, or awe due to its size, power, or difficulty.
Used as an adjective modifying 'forces'.
Collocations courantes
Famille de mots
Noms
Adjectifs
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a FORM-idable foe in a medieval battle, so intimidating they make you FORM (as in, fill out) your last will and testament before facing them.
Association visuelle
Picture a towering, armored knight, incredibly strong and imposing, standing before a tiny, trembling challenger. This knight is 'formidable.'
Word Web
Défi
Describe a formidable opponent in a sport you enjoy, or a formidable challenge you've faced in your life.
Teste-toi 48 questions
The big lion looks ___.
A big lion can be scary. 'Formidable' means something that inspires fear.
The mountain is very tall. It is a ___ mountain.
A very tall mountain can be hard to climb. 'Formidable' can describe something difficult.
My dad is very strong. He is a ___ man.
Someone strong can be described as big or powerful. 'Formidable' implies power.
The puzzle is ___ to do.
A puzzle that is hard to do is 'difficult'. 'Formidable' can mean challenging or difficult.
The big dog barks loud. It can be ___.
A big dog that barks loudly can be frightening. 'Formidable' can inspire fear.
The giant is very ___.
A giant is typically powerful due to its size. 'Formidable' is linked to power.
The big dog looked ___ to the small cat.
Something 'formidable' can inspire fear, and 'scary' means causing fear. The other options don't fit the meaning of something formidable at an A2 level.
The mountain was very tall and looked ___ to climb.
If something is 'formidable', it can be difficult or challenging. 'Hard' means difficult, fitting the A2 level context for formidable.
The strong winds made the sea look ___ for a small boat.
A 'formidable' sea would be one that inspires fear due to its power. 'Dangerous' means likely to cause harm, fitting the A2 meaning.
The big exam seemed ___ for the students.
A 'formidable' task or challenge is often seen as 'difficult' to overcome. This is an appropriate A2 synonym for the concept of formidable.
The champion boxer was a ___ opponent.
A 'formidable' opponent is one who is powerful and inspires respect or fear. 'Strong' is an A2 level word to describe this power.
The old castle looked ___ and very old.
Something 'formidable' can inspire awe. 'Impressive' means something that evokes admiration or respect, which is a suitable A2 concept for awe.
Which animal can be described as formidable because it is big and strong?
An elephant is big and strong, so it can be called formidable. The other animals are small and not as strong.
If a very difficult puzzle is formidable, what does that mean?
If something is formidable, it is difficult or challenging. So, a formidable puzzle is hard to solve.
Which of these might be formidable to a small child?
A tall, dark roller coaster can inspire fear or seem daunting to a small child, making it formidable. The other options are not typically scary or challenging.
A tiny ant is a formidable creature.
An ant is small and not typically seen as inspiring fear or awe due to size or power, so it is not formidable.
A very tall mountain can be a formidable challenge to climb.
Climbing a very tall mountain can be very difficult and daunting, so it can be described as a formidable challenge.
A friendly cat is usually a formidable pet.
A friendly cat is usually gentle and not scary or difficult to handle, so it is not formidable.
The dog is large and intimidating.
The test is hard to pass.
Climbing the mountain is a big challenge.
Read this aloud:
Say: 'The giant was very strong.'
Focus: strong
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Say: 'That's a really big job.'
Focus: big job
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Say: 'He is a great leader.'
Focus: leader
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This order makes a simple, grammatically correct sentence structure.
This order forms a coherent sentence about facing a challenge.
This sequence creates a sentence about the perceived difficulty of a task.
The company faced a ___ challenge in trying to corner the saturated market.
Formidable describes something that inspires fear or respect due to its difficulty, which fits the context of a challenging business situation.
Despite his small stature, the boxer was a ___ opponent, known for his powerful punches.
Formidable is used to characterize an opponent who is daunting or difficult to overcome, even if physically small.
The mountain climbers were confronted with a ___ blizzard, making their ascent perilous.
A formidable blizzard implies a severe and dangerous weather condition, fitting the definition of inspiring fear or difficulty.
Her reputation as a brilliant but ___ attorney preceded her in every courtroom.
A formidable attorney suggests someone who is powerful and commands respect, often due to their skill and presence.
The task of rebuilding the entire infrastructure after the earthquake seemed absolutely ___.
Rebuilding an entire infrastructure after an earthquake would be a daunting and extremely difficult task, hence 'formidable'.
The new security system presented a ___ barrier to any would-be intruders.
A formidable barrier implies a strong and effective obstacle that would be difficult to overcome, inspiring respect or fear in intruders.
Listen for the description of the challenge.
Focus on what her reputation caused.
Consider the quality of the barrier.
Read this aloud:
Can you describe a formidable obstacle you've encountered in your life and how you overcame it?
Focus: formidable
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Read this aloud:
Discuss the qualities that make someone a formidable competitor in sports or business.
Focus: competitor
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Imagine you are giving a speech about a historical figure who was considered formidable. What would you highlight about them?
Focus: historical figure
Tu as dit :
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The newly appointed CEO faced the ___ task of turning around the failing company.
The context implies a very difficult and challenging task, which 'formidable' perfectly describes. 'Trivial', 'menial', and 'facile' suggest ease or unimportance, which are antonyms.
Despite their lack of experience, the young team proved to be a ___ opponent in the championship.
Even with limited experience, if a team is described as a strong and challenging opponent, 'formidable' is the appropriate word. The other options suggest weakness or insignificance.
The professor's reputation for rigorous exams made him a ___ figure among the students.
A professor known for rigorous exams would inspire respect and a degree of apprehension, making 'formidable' the best fit. 'Benign', 'genial', and 'approachable' convey the opposite sentiment.
Confronting the ___ challenges of climate change requires unprecedented global cooperation.
Climate change presents immense and daunting challenges, so 'formidable' accurately describes their nature. The other options minimize the severity of the issue.
The ancient fortress, with its towering walls and strategic location, was considered a ___ stronghold.
A fortress with towering walls and a strategic location would be powerful and difficult to overcome, hence 'formidable'. 'Vulnerable', 'fragile', and 'weak' are contradictory.
Her intellectual prowess and sharp wit made her a truly ___ debater.
Someone with strong intellectual abilities and sharp wit would be a highly challenging and respected debater, making 'formidable' the correct choice. The other options suggest a lack of skill.
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