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formidable

for·mi·da·ble [ fáwrmədəb'l, fər míddəb'l, fàwr míddəb'l ]

adjective

Definition:

1. difficult to deal with: difficult to deal with or overcome

a formidable task

2. awe-inspiring: inspiring respect or wonder because of size, strength, or ability

a formidable display of skill

3. frightening: causing fear, dread, or alarm

[14th century. Directly or via French< Latin formidabilis< formidare "to fear" < formido "terror"]

for·mi·da·bil·i·ty [ fàwrmədə bíllətee, fər mìddə bíllətee, fawr mìddə bíllətee ] noun

for·mi·da·ble·ness [ fáwrmədəb'lnəss, fər míddəb'lnəss, fàwr míddəb'lnəss ] noun

for·mi·da·bly [ fáwrmədəblee, fər míddəblee, fàwr míddəblee ] adverb

Word Usage


	The traditional pronunciation of formidable has the stress on the first syllable, but the alternative variant pronunciation, with the stress on the second syllable, is also heard.

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