Reading Theme:
Formidable: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：awe-inspiring (formidable)
formidable
/ˈfɔːrmɪdəbl/
adj.
something that is very powerful or impressive and makes you respect it.
awe-inspiring
➕
/ˈɔː ɪnˌspaɪərɪŋ/
adj.
Describing something that evokes admiration and esteem due to its power, excellence, or impressive nature.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'formidabilis', meaning 'causing fear', derived from 'formido' (fear).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'formidable' as 'form-id-able' – so impressive it forms awe, or so strong it forms fear.
📖 Example
Learning a new language is a formidable task, but the sense of achievement is worth every effort.
Mastering a new language is an awe-inspiring challenge, yet the fulfillment justifies all the hard work.
🔗 Collocations
formidable opponent – a rival who is very strong and difficult to defeat
formidable challenge – a task that is very difficult and requires great effort
formidable reputation – a highly respected and fearsome standing
🔄 Synonyms
impressive (adj.) – evoking admiration through quality or scale
awe-inspiring (adj.) – causing a feeling of wonder and respect
commanding (adj.) – having authority or presence that demands respect
🚫 Antonyms
unimpressive (adj.) – not evoking admiration or respect
weak (adj.) – lacking strength or power
insignificant (adj.) – not important or noteworthy
🌱 Derivatives
formidably (adv.) – in a manner that is impressive or daunting
formidableness (n.) – the quality of being formidable
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'formidabilis' (dreadful). Historically described fearsome enemies; now common in contexts like sports ('formidable opponent') or academics ('formidable challenge').
Meaning 2：daunting and intimidating (formidable)
formidable
/ˈfɔːrmɪdəbl/
adj.
something that is very powerful or strong and seems difficult or scary to deal with.
daunting and intimidating
➕
/ˈdɔːntɪŋ ænd ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪŋ/
adj.
Describing something that appears very difficult, frightening, or challenging to confront or overcome.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The task of protecting endangered wildlife in such a vast area is a formidable challenge for the conservation team.
Safeguarding at-risk species across an extensive region poses a daunting and intimidating challenge for the preservation group.
🔗 Collocations
formidable obstacle – a very difficult barrier to progress
formidable force – a powerful and threatening group or entity
formidable task – a job that is extremely hard to accomplish
🔄 Synonyms
daunting (adj.) – seeming difficult to deal with and causing loss of confidence
intimidating (adj.) – causing fear or awe through perceived power
fearsome (adj.) – inspiring fear or respect through appearance or reputation
🚫 Antonyms
easy (adj.) – not difficult; requiring little effort
manageable (adj.) – able to be controlled or dealt with without difficulty
non-threatening (adj.) – not causing fear or intimidation
🌱 Derivatives
formidably (adv.) – in a manner that is impressive or daunting
formidableness (n.) – the quality of being formidable
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