Word of the Week: formidable

Pronunciation: \ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl; fȯr-ˈmi-, fər-ˈmi-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin formidabilis, from formidare to fear, from formido terror, bogey; akin to Greek mormō bogey

Date: 15th century


1 : causing fear, dread, or apprehension
2 : having qualities that discourage approach or attack
3 : tending to inspire awe or wonder

"Many things are formidable, and none more formidable than man."
-Sophocles
Antigone, 332^3

"Examinations are formidable even to the best prepared, for the greatest fool may ask more than the wisest man can answer."
- Charles Caleb Colton (1780 - 1832)

"I have chosen to accept the formidable challenge of submitting a post on That's Uncanny."
- Dana Smalley