ˈfȯ(r)mə̇dəbəl, fȯ(r)ˈmid- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin formidabilis, from formidare to fear, dread (from formido fear, terror) + -abilis -able; akin to Greek mormō she-monster, bugbear, mormoros fear
1. : exciting fear, dread, or apprehension
a grim and formidable foe
a formidable prospect
the first attack was dangerous, but a second must be more formidable still — William Cowper
2. : able seriously to impede a projected interaction or course of action usually by interposing difficulties, hardships, or obstructions
the mountains were a formidable barrier to our progress
these qualities … made the Miltonic sentence a formidable construction — R.M.Weaver
broadly : difficult
formidable coloratura passages
3. : tending to inspire awe or wonder usually by reason of notable size, quantity, superiority, or excellence
had a formidable array of compositions to his credit — Joseph Wechsberg
broadly : large , superior , outstanding
in a society based on oral tradition the memory of the elders is formidable
a social lioness of formidable glamour
his formidable accomplishments in art
• for·mi·da·ble·ness -nə̇s noun -es
• for·mi·da·bly -əblē, -li adverb