Word origins - 2ed. J. Ayto. 2005.
formidable — [ fɔrmidabl ] adj. • v. 1537; h. 1392; lat. formidabilis, de formidare « craindre, redouter » 1 ♦ Vieilli Qui inspire ou est de nature à inspirer une grande crainte. ⇒ effrayant, épouvantable, redoutable, terrible. « Son aspect était formidable… … Encyclopédie Universelle
formidable — adjetivo 1. (ser / estar, antepuesto / pospuesto) Que es extraordinario o magnífico por ser grande, bueno o agradable: Su casa es formidable. Desde que haces gimnasia estás formidable. Luis es un formidable amigo. He pasado una tarde formidable.… … Diccionario Salamanca de la Lengua Española
formidable — FORMIDABLE. adj. de t.g. Redoutable, qui est à craindre, C est un homme formidable. c est la chose du monde la plus formidable. une puissance formidable. des troupes formidables. il s est rendu formidable par la rapidité de ses conquestes … Dictionnaire de l'Académie française
Formidable — For mi*da*ble, a. [L. formidabilis, fr. formidare to fear, dread: cf. F. formidable.] Exciting fear or apprehension; impressing dread; adapted to excite fear and deter from approach, encounter, or undertaking; alarming. [1913 Webster] They seemed … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
formidable — (adj.) mid 15c., from M.Fr. formidable (15c.), from L. formidabilis causing fear, terrible, from formidare to fear, from formido fearfulness, fear, terror, dread. Related: Formidably … Etymology dictionary
formidable — [adj1] horrible, terrifying appalling, awful, dangerous, daunting, dire, dismaying, dreadful, fearful, fierce, frightful, horrific, imposing, impregnable, intimidating, menacing, redoubtable, shocking, terrible, terrific, threatening; concept 537 … New thesaurus
formidable — I adjective alarming, appalling, arduous, awe inspiring, awesome, dangerous, deterring, difficult, disturbing, dreadful, exciting fear, fear inspiring, fearful, fierce, formidolosus, frightening, frightful, hard to overcome, horrible, horrifying … Law dictionary
formidable — The standard pronunciation is with the stress on the first syllable, although the word is often heard with the stress on the second syllable … Modern English usage
formidable — (Del lat. formidabĭlis). 1. adj. Muy temible y que infunde asombro y miedo. 2. Excesivamente grande en su línea. 3. coloq. magnífico … Diccionario de la lengua española
formidable — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, or capable. DERIVATIVES formidably adverb. ORIGIN Latin formidabilis, from formidare to fear … English terms dictionary
formidable — [fôr′mə də bəl, fôr mid′ə bəl] adj. [ME < OFr < L formidabilis < formidare, to fear, dread < formido, fear < IE * mormo , to feel horror > Gr mormoros, fear] 1. causing fear or dread 2. hard to handle or overcome 3. awe… … English World dictionary
