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A2 noun #3,000 mais comum 10 min de leitura

formidable

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas formidable em 30 segundos
Explicação formidable in your Level:
At the A1 beginner level, the word 'formidable' is introduced as a simple, highly useful vocabulary item to express positive feelings. Beginners learn that when they want to say something is 'great' or 'fantastic', 'formidable' is a safe and impressive word to use. It is often taught alongside basic adjectives like 'bon' (good), 'mauvais' (bad), and 'beau' (beautiful). At this stage, learners are encouraged to use it as a one-word exclamation, such as 'Formidable !', when responding to good news or showing appreciation. They also learn to place it after a noun in simple sentences, like 'C'est un livre formidable' (It is a great book). The focus is entirely on its modern, positive meaning, and teachers usually warn students early on that it does not mean 'scary' or 'intimidating' like the English word. Memorizing 'formidable' helps A1 students build confidence in expressing their opinions and participating in basic social interactions, making their spoken French sound more enthusiastic and natural right from the start of their language learning journey.
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At the A2 elementary level, learners begin to use 'formidable' in more complex sentence structures and varied contexts. They move beyond simple exclamations and start integrating the word into descriptions of past events, future plans, and personal experiences. For example, an A2 student might say, 'J'ai passé des vacances formidables en France' (I had fantastic holidays in France) or 'Ce serait formidable de te voir demain' (It would be great to see you tomorrow). At this level, learners also practice adjective agreement more rigorously, ensuring they add an 's' for plural nouns ('des amis formidables'). They learn to use intensifiers with the word, such as 'vraiment formidable' (truly great) or 'absolument formidable' (absolutely fantastic). Furthermore, A2 students begin to recognize the word in spoken French, such as in simple dialogues, songs (like Stromae's hit), and basic media. The distinction between 'formidable' and informal synonyms like 'super' or 'génial' is introduced, helping learners choose the appropriate word based on the context and the person they are speaking to.
At the B1 intermediate level, the understanding and usage of 'formidable' become much more nuanced. Learners are now comfortable using the word across various tenses and moods, including the subjunctive ('Il faut que ce soit formidable' - It must be great). They explore the cultural connotations of the word, understanding its slightly more elevated register compared to slang terms. B1 students are explicitly taught the concept of 'faux amis' (false friends) and analyze why the English 'formidable' and the French 'formidable' diverged in meaning. They practice translating English sentences containing 'formidable' into French using correct equivalents like 'redoutable' or 'impressionnant', ensuring they avoid the common trap. In conversation, B1 learners use 'formidable' to articulate detailed opinions, review movies or books, and express strong enthusiasm in professional or academic role-plays. They also encounter the word more frequently in authentic reading materials, such as news articles, blogs, and short stories, where it is used to describe significant achievements, excellent performances, or remarkable situations.
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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners possess a sophisticated command of 'formidable' and its synonyms. They can seamlessly alternate between 'formidable', 'merveilleux', 'extraordinaire', and 'génial' depending on the exact shade of meaning and the social register required. B2 students encounter the word in complex authentic texts, including literature, political speeches, and journalistic essays, where it might occasionally be used with a nod to its older, more intense meaning of 'awe-inspiring' or 'monumental' (e.g., 'un défi formidable' - a monumental challenge, though still generally positive). They are capable of discussing the etymology of the word and explaining its evolution to lower-level learners. In their own writing and speaking, B2 learners use 'formidable' to build persuasive arguments, express deep appreciation, and engage in abstract discussions. They understand the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word, using it to add emphasis and rhetorical flair to their presentations and debates. The word becomes a natural, integrated part of their active vocabulary.
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At the C1 advanced level, the use of 'formidable' is intuitive and highly refined. C1 learners understand the subtle irony or sarcasm that can sometimes accompany the word in specific contexts (e.g., saying 'C'est formidable...' with a sigh when something goes wrong, much like saying 'That's just great...' in English). They are fully aware of the historical and literary contexts of the word, recognizing its use in classic French literature where its original meaning of 'fearsome' might still appear. At this level, learners can manipulate the word for stylistic effect in essays, professional reports, and formal speeches. They effortlessly navigate the boundaries between 'formidable' and its near-synonyms, making precise lexical choices that reflect a near-native understanding of French semantics. They can also discuss the socio-linguistic aspects of the word, such as how its usage might vary across different Francophone regions or demographic groups. 'Formidable' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for nuanced expression and cultural connection.
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At the C2 mastery level, the learner's relationship with the word 'formidable' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. They possess a complete, encyclopedic understanding of the word's etymology, historical shifts, and contemporary usage across all registers and dialects of the Francophone world. C2 speakers can employ 'formidable' in highly specialized contexts, whether analyzing a piece of classical poetry where the word retains its Latin roots of terror, or deconstructing modern pop culture phenomena. They use the word with perfect rhythmic timing in spontaneous, high-level discourse, employing it to convey subtle shades of admiration, awe, or even gentle mockery. They are adept at creating neologisms or playing with the word's structure for poetic or comedic effect. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'formidable' serves as a testament to the learner's deep, internalized grasp of French linguistic history, cultural nuances, and expressive potential, allowing for effortless and elegant communication in any conceivable situation.
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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

formidable em 30 segundos

  • Means 'great' or 'fantastic' in modern French.
  • It is a classic 'false friend' to English speakers.
  • Usually placed after the noun it modifies.
  • Can be used alone as an enthusiastic exclamation.
To truly understand the French word formidable, one must embark on a fascinating linguistic journey that traces its roots from ancient Latin to modern colloquial French. In contemporary usage, formidable is overwhelmingly positive, translating to great, fantastic, wonderful, or tremendous. When a French person says 'C'est formidable!', they are expressing high praise, enthusiasm, and genuine admiration for a person, an object, an event, or a situation. However, this was not always the case. The word originates from the Latin 'formidabilis', which means causing fear or terror. In English, the cognate 'formidable' retains this original nuance, often describing an opponent or a challenge that is intimidating, daunting, or inspiring fear and deep respect. This divergence in meaning makes formidable a classic 'faux ami' or false friend for English speakers learning French. Understanding this shift is crucial for mastering French vocabulary and avoiding significant misunderstandings in cross-cultural communication.
Modern Meaning
Fantastic, great, or wonderful, used to express strong positive emotions and approval in everyday French.

Ce gâteau au chocolat est absolument formidable.

The evolution of the word reflects a common linguistic phenomenon where words associated with extreme intensity (like 'terrible' or 'awesome' in English) gradually lose their negative connotations and become generalized intensifiers or markers of extreme positivity. In the mid-20th century, formidable solidified its place in the French lexicon as a term of high praise.
Historical Context
Originally meant fearsome or terrifying, derived from Latin formido (fear).

Nous avons passé des vacances formidables en Espagne.

Furthermore, formidable is versatile. It can describe a wide array of nouns, from a delicious meal to an inspiring teacher, a captivating movie, or a successful project. Its adaptability makes it a staple in both spoken and written French across various registers.

C'est une opportunité formidable pour ta carrière.

Grammatical Function
Primarily an adjective, it agrees in number with the noun it modifies, but its spelling remains the same for masculine and feminine singular.

Elle a une énergie formidable qui motive tout le monde.

Ils ont accompli un travail formidable cette année.

In conclusion, mastering the meaning of formidable unlocks a powerful tool for expressing joy, appreciation, and awe in French, allowing learners to sound more natural, enthusiastic, and culturally attuned to the nuances of the language.
Using formidable correctly in French involves understanding its syntactic placement, its agreement rules, and the subtle nuances it brings to a sentence depending on its context. As an adjective, formidable follows the standard French rules of agreement, meaning it must agree in number with the noun it modifies. Because it ends in an 'e' in its masculine singular form, the feminine singular form is identical (un homme formidable, une femme formidable). To form the plural, you simply add an 's' (des hommes formidables, des femmes formidables).
Placement Rules
Formidable typically follows the noun it modifies, adhering to the general rule for descriptive adjectives in French.

C'est un film formidable que je recommande vivement.

However, like many French adjectives, placing it before the noun can sometimes alter its nuance, making the statement more subjective, emotional, or poetic, although this is less common with formidable than with words like 'grand' or 'petit'.
Intensifiers
You can amplify formidable by using adverbs like vraiment, absolument, or tout simplement.

Ce repas était absolument formidable.

In spoken French, you will often hear formidable used as an exclamation all on its own. If someone shares good news, such as getting a promotion or passing an exam, responding with 'Formidable !' is the equivalent of saying 'Fantastic!' or 'That's great!' in English.

Tu as eu ton permis ? Formidable !

Negative Constructions
While rare, you can use it in the negative to express disappointment, though 'pas terrible' is more common.

Son comportement n'était pas vraiment formidable hier soir.

It is also important to note that while the prompt classifies formidable as a noun, its substantive use is quite rare and mostly restricted to fixed expressions or artistic contexts, such as referring to 'the fantastic' or 'the great' in a philosophical sense. In 99% of daily interactions, you will use it as an adjective.

C'est une idée formidable pour le projet.

By mastering these usage patterns, learners can confidently integrate formidable into their vocabulary, enriching their expressive capabilities and ensuring their French sounds authentic, dynamic, and grammatically precise.
The word formidable is ubiquitous in the French-speaking world, echoing through the streets of Paris, the cafes of Montreal, and the vibrant markets of Dakar. Its presence spans across various mediums, from casual daily conversations to high-brow literature, and most notably, in popular culture. One cannot discuss the word formidable without mentioning the internationally acclaimed Belgian artist Stromae. His hit song, appropriately titled 'Formidable', plays brilliantly on the dual nature of the word. In the chorus, he sings 'Tu étais formidable, j'étais fort minable' (You were wonderful, I was very pathetic), creating a striking phonetic and semantic contrast that highlights the word's emotional weight.
Pop Culture
Stromae's song 'Formidable' is a modern masterpiece that cemented the word in global pop consciousness.

La chanson de Stromae est vraiment formidable.

Beyond music, you will frequently hear formidable in French cinema and television. Characters use it to express awe at a beautiful landscape, satisfaction with a delicious meal, or joy at a happy reunion.
Everyday Life
Commonly heard in restaurants, workplaces, and family gatherings to express satisfaction.

Le service dans ce restaurant est formidable.

In professional settings, formidable is used to commend colleagues or celebrate successful outcomes. A manager might describe a team's effort as formidable, meaning outstanding or exceptional.

L'équipe a fait un travail formidable sur ce dossier.

Literature and Media
Journalists and authors use it to describe monumental events, incredible stories, or larger-than-life figures.

C'est une histoire formidable de courage et de survie.

Interestingly, older generations might still occasionally use formidable with a slight nod to its older meaning of 'impressive in scale or power', such as describing a 'tempête formidable' (a massive, awe-inspiring storm), though the positive connotation usually dominates.

Ils ont surmonté des obstacles formidables.

Recognizing the diverse contexts in which formidable appears helps learners appreciate its versatility and cultural significance, making it much more than just a vocabulary word, but a vibrant piece of the French cultural tapestry.
When learning the word formidable, English speakers frequently fall into specific traps due to linguistic interference and the deceptive nature of false friends. The most glaring and common mistake is translating the English word 'formidable' directly into French when trying to describe something intimidating, frightening, or difficult to overcome. If an English speaker wants to say 'He is a formidable opponent' (meaning he is dangerous and hard to beat) and translates it as 'C'est un adversaire formidable', a French person will likely interpret this as 'He is a fantastic/wonderful opponent'. This complete reversal of meaning can lead to humorous or confusing situations.
The False Friend Trap
Assuming French formidable means intimidating or scary, just like its English counterpart.

Ne dites pas : C'est un monstre formidable (pour dire effrayant).

To express the English idea of 'formidable', French uses words like 'redoutable' (fearsome, daunting), 'impressionnant' (impressive), or 'difficile' (difficult).
Overuse
Using formidable for mildly good things instead of reserving it for truly great things.

Dites plutôt : C'est bien (au lieu de formidable pour une chose banale).

Another mistake involves pronunciation. English speakers often stress the first syllable (FOR-mi-da-ble) and swallow the ending. In French, the pronunciation must be even, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable, and the 'r' must be articulated in the back of the throat: for-mee-DAH-bluh.

La prononciation de formidable doit être fluide et française.

Agreement Errors
Forgetting to add the 's' for plural nouns, even though the singular masculine and feminine are the same.

Attention : Ce sont des gens formidables (avec un S).

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse formidable with 'génial' or 'super'. While they are synonyms, formidable is slightly more elevated and less slangy than 'super' or 'génial'. Using formidable in a highly informal, youth-oriented context might sound a bit dated or overly formal, whereas using 'super' in a formal business meeting might sound too casual.

Pour un contexte formel, formidable est un excellent choix.

By being aware of these pitfalls, learners can navigate the complexities of this word and use it with the precision and elegance of a native speaker.
The French language is rich with adjectives that convey enthusiasm, joy, and high praise, providing learners with a vibrant palette of synonyms for formidable. Understanding these similar words and their subtle distinctions allows for more precise and varied expression. One of the most common synonyms is 'génial'. Génial translates to 'awesome' or 'brilliant' and is heavily used in informal, everyday spoken French, particularly among younger generations. While formidable carries a slight touch of elegance, génial is purely colloquial.
Génial
Informal synonym meaning awesome or brilliant, very popular in spoken French.

Ce concert était vraiment génial, tout comme il était formidable.

Another ubiquitous alternative is 'super'. Super is invariable (it never takes an 's' or 'e') and functions much like 'super' or 'great' in English. It is casual and incredibly versatile.
Merveilleux
Translates to marvelous or wonderful, carrying a more magical or deeply beautiful connotation.

Nous avons passé une soirée merveilleuse, absolument formidable.

For situations that defy belief, 'incroyable' (incredible) is the perfect choice. It emphasizes the astonishing or unbelievable nature of something great.

Son talent est incroyable, c'est un artiste formidable.

Extraordinaire
Meaning extraordinary, used when something goes far beyond the ordinary or expected.

C'est une découverte extraordinaire, une avancée formidable.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you need to express the English meaning of 'formidable' (fearsome or daunting), you must look to words like 'redoutable' or 'impressionnant'. A 'redoutable adversaire' is a formidable opponent.

Il est un concurrent redoutable, pas un concurrent formidable (dans le sens anglais).

By mastering this network of related vocabulary, learners can elevate their French from basic communication to nuanced, expressive, and culturally accurate conversation, ensuring they always have the right word for the right moment.

How Formal Is It?

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

Adjective agreement (adding 's' for plural)

Adjective placement (usually after the noun)

Exclamatory sentences (C'est + adjectif !)

Intensifiers with adjectives (vraiment, absolument)

False friends (Faux amis) between French and English

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Exemplos por nível

1

C'est formidable !

It is great!

Used as a standalone exclamation.

2

Le gâteau est formidable.

The cake is fantastic.

Adjective following the verb 'être'.

3

Tu es formidable.

You are great.

Adjective agreeing with the subject 'Tu'.

4

Un livre formidable.

A great book.

Adjective placed after the masculine singular noun.

5

Une fille formidable.

A great girl.

Adjective placed after the feminine singular noun (spelling remains the same).

6

C'est une idée formidable.

It is a great idea.

Adjective modifying 'idée'.

7

Merci, c'est formidable.

Thank you, that's great.

Combining gratitude with the adjective.

8

Le film est formidable.

The movie is fantastic.

Basic subject-verb-adjective structure.

1

Nous avons passé des vacances formidables.

We had fantastic holidays.

Plural agreement: 'formidables' matches 'vacances'.

2

J'ai rencontré des gens formidables hier.

I met some great people yesterday.

Plural adjective modifying 'gens'.

3

Ce restaurant est vraiment formidable.

This restaurant is truly great.

Use of the intensifier 'vraiment'.

4

Elle a fait un travail formidable.

She did a fantastic job.

Adjective modifying the masculine noun 'travail'.

5

C'est une opportunité formidable pour toi.

It's a great opportunity for you.

Adjective in a slightly more complex sentence.

6

Le concert de ce soir était formidable.

Tonight's concert was fantastic.

Used with the imperfect tense 'était'.

7

Ils ont une maison formidable à la campagne.

They have a great house in the countryside.

Describing possession.

8

Trouver ce trésor serait formidable.

Finding this treasure would be great.

Used with the conditional tense 'serait'.

1

Il est absolument formidable que tu aies réussi ton examen.

It is absolutely fantastic that you passed your exam.

Triggers the subjunctive 'aies réussi'.

2

Malgré la pluie, l'ambiance était formidable.

Despite the rain, the atmosphere was great.

Used in a sentence with a concession ('Malgré').

3

C'est le projet le plus formidable sur lequel j'ai travaillé.

It's the most fantastic project I've worked on.

Used in the superlative form 'le plus formidable'.

4

Je trouve cette nouvelle technologie tout à fait formidable.

I find this new technology quite fantastic.

Use of 'tout à fait' for emphasis.

5

Stromae a écrit une chanson intitulée 'Formidable'.

Stromae wrote a song titled 'Formidable'.

Reference to pop culture.

6

Ce serait formidable si nous pouvions voyager ensemble.

It would be great if we could travel together.

Conditional sentence with 'si'.

7

Quel homme formidable il a été pour sa communauté.

What a great man he was for his community.

Exclamatory sentence starting with 'Quel'.

8

Ne confondez pas le mot français formidable avec l'anglais.

Do not confuse the French word formidable with the English one.

Metalinguistic usage.

1

L'orateur a fait preuve d'une éloquence formidable lors du débat.

The speaker demonstrated fantastic eloquence during the debate.

Used in a more formal, abstract context.

2

C'est une avancée scientifique formidable qui changera des vies.

It is a tremendous scientific breakthrough that will change lives.

Modifying an abstract noun 'avancée'.

3

Il a dû surmonter des obstacles formidables pour en arriver là.

He had to overcome tremendous obstacles to get there.

Here, it leans slightly towards 'monumental/huge'.

4

La solidarité dont ils ont fait preuve est tout bonnement formidable.

The solidarity they showed is quite simply fantastic.

Advanced intensifier 'tout bonnement'.

5

Bien que l'idée soit formidable, elle manque de financement.

Although the idea is great, it lacks funding.

Used in a complex sentence with 'Bien que' + subjunctive.

6

Son ascension fulgurante dans l'entreprise est formidable à observer.

His meteoric rise in the company is fantastic to observe.

Used with an infinitive construction 'à observer'.

7

C'est avec une énergie formidable qu'elle a mené ce combat.

It is with tremendous energy that she led this fight.

Cleft sentence structure 'C'est... que'.

8

Le roman décrit une époque formidable, pleine de bouleversements.

The novel describes a tremendous era, full of upheavals.

Describing a historical period.

1

La résilience de ce peuple face à l'adversité est proprement formidable.

The resilience of these people in the face of adversity is truly tremendous.

Use of the formal adverb 'proprement'.

2

Il manie l'ironie avec une dextérité formidable.

He handles irony with fantastic dexterity.

Abstract usage modifying 'dextérité'.

3

Ah, formidable... encore une grève des transports aujourd'hui.

Ah, fantastic... another transport strike today.

Sarcastic/ironic usage.

4

L'auteur dresse un portrait formidable des maux de notre société.

The author paints a tremendous portrait of our society's ills.

Literary critique context.

5

Cette découverte archéologique revêt une importance formidable pour l'histoire.

This archaeological discovery holds tremendous importance for history.

Formal register 'revêt une importance'.

6

C'est un outil de propagande formidable entre les mains du pouvoir.

It is a formidable propaganda tool in the hands of the authorities.

Nuance of 'powerful/monumental'.

7

Elle possède une capacité d'analyse formidable qui déconcerte ses pairs.

She possesses a fantastic analytical capacity that baffles her peers.

Complex sentence with a relative clause.

8

Le paradoxe formidable de cette situation n'échappe à personne.

The tremendous paradox of this situation escapes no one.

Modifying an abstract philosophical concept.

1

Dans son acception classique, le courroux divin était jugé formidable.

In its classical sense, divine wrath was considered fearsome.

Historical/Etymological usage meaning 'fearsome'.

2

L'orchestration de cette symphonie est d'une complexité formidable.

The orchestration of this symphony is of tremendous complexity.

Structure 'est d'une [noun] formidable'.

3

Il a su tirer parti de cet imbroglio avec une acuité formidable.

He managed to take advantage of this imbroglio with fantastic acuity.

Highly advanced vocabulary ('imbroglio', 'acuité').

4

Ce fut un formidable camouflet pour la diplomatie internationale.

It was a tremendous snub for international diplomacy.

Placed before the noun for rhetorical emphasis.

5

La verve formidable de l'écrivain transcende la banalité du sujet.

The writer's fantastic eloquence transcends the banality of the subject.

Literary register.

6

On assiste à un formidable nivellement par le bas des exigences académiques.

We are witnessing a tremendous downward leveling of academic requirements.

Sociological critique context.

7

Son mutisme face aux accusations était en soi une réponse formidable.

His silence in the face of accusations was in itself a tremendous response.

Abstract, nuanced interpretation of behavior.

8

L'enjeu formidable de cette élection redessinera la géopolitique mondiale.

The monumental stakes of this election will redraw global geopolitics.

Meaning 'monumental/crucial'.

Colocações comuns

une idée formidable
un travail formidable
des gens formidables
un succès formidable
une occasion formidable
un talent formidable
une énergie formidable
un projet formidable
une ambiance formidable
un film formidable

Frases Comuns

C'est formidable !
Trouver ça formidable
Passer un moment formidable
Faire un travail formidable
Être en forme formidable
Une nouvelle formidable
Un type formidable
Une femme formidable
Absolument formidable
Vraiment formidable

Frequentemente confundido com

formidable vs Formidable (English) - English means intimidating; French means great.

formidable vs Génial - Génial is more informal/slangy than formidable.

formidable vs Redoutable - Redoutable is the actual French translation for the English word 'formidable'.

Expressões idiomáticas

"C'est du formidable (rare, substantive use)"
"Un succès formidable (a smashing success)"
"Une mémoire formidable (an elephant's memory)"
"Un appétit formidable (a massive appetite)"
"Un bruit formidable (a tremendous noise)"
"Une force formidable (a tremendous strength)"
"Un défi formidable (a monumental challenge)"
"Une chance formidable (incredible luck)"
"Un courage formidable (tremendous courage)"
"Une somme formidable (a huge amount of money)"

Fácil de confundir

formidable vs

formidable vs

formidable vs

formidable vs

formidable vs

Padrões de frases

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Como usar

note

While 'formidable' is extremely common, try to mix it up with synonyms like 'génial' or 'super' in casual conversation to avoid sounding repetitive. Save 'formidable' for things that truly impress you.

Erros comuns
  • Translating the English word 'formidable' directly into French to mean 'intimidating'.
  • Pronouncing it with English stress (FOR-mi-da-ble) instead of French flat intonation.
  • Forgetting to add an 's' when describing plural nouns (des choses formidable*s*).
  • Using it to describe something mildly okay, diluting its strong meaning.
  • Placing it before the noun in everyday conversation (un formidable chat) instead of after (un chat formidable).

Dicas

Agreement is Easy

Remember that 'formidable' ends in an 'e', so you don't need to change it for feminine nouns. Just add an 's' for plural. Un livre formidable, une idée formidable. Des livres formidables, des idées formidables.

Beware the False Friend

Never use 'formidable' to describe a scary monster or a dangerous enemy. French people will think you are praising the monster! Use 'redoutable' if you want to convey the English meaning of formidable. This is the most common mistake English speakers make.

Use as an Exclamation

If someone tells you they got a new job, just say 'Formidable !' with a big smile. It's a great way to sound fluent and supportive. It functions perfectly as a one-word sentence in conversation. Try it next time you hear good news.

Elevate Your Writing

Instead of always using 'très bien' or 'bon', substitute 'formidable' in your essays or emails. It shows a wider vocabulary and adds more emotion to your text. It is highly appreciated in formal French writing. It makes your prose more dynamic.

Listen to Stromae

Listen to the song 'Formidable' by Stromae. Pay attention to how he pronounces the word. The contrast he makes with 'fort minable' is a great mnemonic device. It will help you remember the pronunciation and meaning forever.

Placement Matters

Place 'formidable' after the noun 95% of the time. 'Un repas formidable'. Placing it before the noun ('un formidable repas') is possible but sounds very literary or poetic. Stick to placing it after the noun for everyday speech.

Mix it Up

Don't overuse 'formidable'. Mix it with 'génial', 'super', and 'fantastique'. This makes your French sound much more natural. Native speakers use a variety of adjectives to express enthusiasm. Keep 'formidable' for things that are truly great.

Expressive Culture

French culture values expressive opinions. Don't be afraid to use strong words like 'formidable' when you like something. It shows you are engaged and appreciative. The French love it when foreigners show enthusiasm for their food or culture.

Flat Intonation

English speakers tend to stress the 'FOR'. In French, keep the syllables relatively flat: for-mi-dable. The slight stress goes at the very end. Practice saying it smoothly without jumping on the first syllable. It makes a huge difference in your accent.

Professional Praise

It is a great word for the workplace. Saying 'L'équipe a fait un travail formidable' is highly motivating. It is professional yet warm. It bridges the gap between formal corporate speak and genuine human appreciation.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of FORMIDABLE as 'FOR Me It's DABLE (double) the fun!' because it means something great and fantastic.

Origem da palavra

Latin

Contexto cultural

Standard to slightly elevated. Appropriate for both casual conversations and formal writing.

Using 'formidable' shows genuine enthusiasm and is often accompanied by expressive body language (wide eyes, smiling, hand gestures).

Universally understood across the Francophone world (France, Quebec, Belgium, Switzerland, Africa).

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"Quel est le dernier film formidable que tu as vu ?"

"Raconte-moi une expérience formidable que tu as vécue récemment."

"Penses-tu que l'intelligence artificielle est une invention formidable ou dangereuse ?"

"Qui est la personne la plus formidable que tu connaisses ?"

"Quelle serait une destination de vacances formidable pour toi ?"

Temas para diário

Décrivez une journée formidable que vous avez passée récemment.

Écrivez sur une personne formidable qui a changé votre vie.

Si vous pouviez accomplir quelque chose de formidable, que serait-ce ?

Analysez les paroles de la chanson 'Formidable' de Stromae.

Pourquoi est-il important de célébrer les choses formidables du quotidien ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, it does not mean scary in modern French. It is a false friend to the English word. In French, it means great, fantastic, or wonderful. To say scary or intimidating, use 'redoutable' or 'effrayant'. Historically, it did mean fearsome, but that meaning is obsolete in everyday use.

The word 'formidable' is invariable in gender. Because it ends in an 'e' in its base masculine form, the feminine form is exactly the same. You say 'un homme formidable' and 'une femme formidable'. You only need to add an 's' for plural nouns.

Yes, 'formidable' is perfectly appropriate for professional settings. It is a standard, slightly elevated adjective. You can use it to praise a colleague's work ('un travail formidable') or a successful project. It sounds enthusiastic but remains professional.

It comes from the Latin word 'formidabilis', which means causing fear or terror. Over centuries, the meaning in French shifted. It went from meaning 'fearsome' to 'awe-inspiring' to its current meaning of 'fantastic'. This type of semantic shift is common in linguistics.

Both words mean great or awesome, but they belong to different registers. 'Génial' is very informal and used mostly in casual spoken French. 'Formidable' is more standard and can be used in both formal writing and everyday conversation. 'Formidable' sounds slightly more elegant.

Pronounce it with four syllables: for-mee-DAH-bluh. Make sure to roll or articulate the 'r' in the back of your throat. Do not stress the first syllable like in English. The stress in French is slightly on the final syllable.

It is extremely rare to use 'formidable' as a noun in everyday French. The prompt mentions it as a noun, but 99% of the time it is an adjective. You might see it in artistic or philosophical contexts, like 'le formidable' (the fantastic/the great), but stick to using it as an adjective.

The song is about a drunken, heartbroken man wandering the streets after a breakup. He reflects on his failed relationship. The chorus 'Tu étais formidable, j'étais fort minable' contrasts her greatness (formidable) with his pathetic state (fort minable). It is a brilliant play on words.

Yes, you can use it in the negative to mean 'not great'. For example, 'Ce film n'était pas formidable' means the movie wasn't very good. However, French people more commonly say 'pas terrible' to express that something was mediocre or disappointing.

Yes, 'formidable' is understood and used throughout the entire Francophone world, including Quebec. It is a standard French word. While Quebec has its own unique slang for 'great' (like 'écœurant' used positively), 'formidable' remains universally applicable.

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