formidable
Meaning: Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, capable, or intense.
Formidable is almost always used with a blend of respect and apprehension — a formidable opponent is one you take seriously. It describes people, challenges, and obstacles that command attention by their sheer capability or difficulty. In British English, the stress falls on the first syllable. Common collocations include 'formidable opponent,' 'formidable challenge,' 'formidable reputation,' and 'formidable intellect.'
Examples
- The prosecution assembled a formidable case, supported by forensic evidence, witness testimony, and financial records. 检方组建了一个强有力的案件,由法医证据、证人证词和财务记录共同支撑。La fiscalía construyó un caso formidable, respaldado por pruebas forenses, testimonios de testigos y registros financieros.検察側は、科学捜査の証拠、証人の証言、財務記録に裏付けられた強力な事件を構築した。검찰 측은 과학 수사 증거, 증인 증언, 재무 기록에 뒷받침된 강력한 사건을 구축했다.
- She proved a formidable opponent in the leadership contest, winning over delegates with her command of policy detail. 她在党首竞选中证明自己是一位强劲的对手,凭借对政策细节的精通赢得了代表们的支持。Ella demostró ser una adversaria formidable en la contienda por el liderazgo, ganándose a los delegados con su dominio de los detalles políticos.彼女は党首選で手強い対抗馬であることを証明し、政策の詳細に精通していることで代議員の支持を獲得した。그녀는 당 대표 경선에서 만만치 않은 상대임을 입증하며, 정책 세부 사항에 대한 해박함으로 대의원들의 지지를 얻었다.
- The formidable challenge of decarbonising the economy requires coordinated action across every sector of industry. 使经济脱碳这一严峻挑战需要工业各部门的协调行动。El formidable reto de descarbonizar la economía exige una acción coordinada en todos los sectores de la industria.経済の脱炭素化という困難な課題には、産業のあらゆるセクターにわたる協調的な行動が必要である。경제 탈탄소화라는 막대한 과제는 산업 전 분야에 걸친 협조적 행동을 필요로 한다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, general, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin 'formidabilis' meaning fearful or terrifying, from 'formidare' (to fear), from 'formido' (fear, dread). Entered English via French in the 15th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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