4 syllables: For, mi, da, ble. Stress on For.
FAWR-muh-duh-buhl
/ˈfɔɹmədəbəl/
Formidable is pronounced FAWR-muh-duh-buhl (/ˈfɔɹmədəbəl/). It has four syllables (For-mi-da-ble), with the stress on "For". Formidable is a noun meaning something or someone that inspires fear or respect due to being impressively powerful, capable, or intense. It denotes a daunting challenge or opponent and is often used to describe formidable obstacles, foes, or achievements. The term carries a tone of severity and awe, implying substantial difficulty or significance beyond ordinary expectations.
nounFormidable is a noun meaning something or someone that inspires fear or respect due to being impressively powerful, capable, or intense. It denotes a daunting challenge or opponent and is often used to describe formidable obstacles, foes, or achievements. The term carries a tone of severity and awe, implying substantial difficulty or significance beyond ordinary expectations.
"- The mountain presented a formidable challenge to the climbers, testing every skill they possessed."
"- The team faced a formidable opponent in the finals, renowned for its disciplined defense."
"- She prepared for a formidable interview process, knowing it would probe deep into her experience."
Formidable is stressed on the first syllable: /ˈfɔːr.mɪ.də.bəl/ in US/UK/Aus IPA. Break it into four syllables: FOR-mi-da-ble, with primary stress on FOR. The first vowel is a broad /ɔː/ like 'or' in 'for,' followed by a reduced /ə/ in the third syllable. Ensure the final -ble is pronounced as /bəl/ in most accents. For audio reference, you can compare with standard dictionaries or dedicated pronunciation videos. Practice saying: FOR-mi-da-ble, pausing slightly between syllables to maintain rhythm.
Common mistakes: misplacing stress (say 'for-MI-da-ble' or 'FOR-mi-DA-ble' incorrectly). Another error is pronouncing the second syllable as a full 'i' /i/ instead of a schwa-like /ə/. Corrections: keep primary stress on the first syllable /ˈfɔːr/ and reduce the second vowel to /ɪ/ or /ɪ/ in US or /mɪ/; ensure final -ble is /bəl/. Practice with slow, four-beat pacing: FOR-mi-da-ble, then speed up while maintaining four distinct beats and the /əl/ ending.
US: /ˈfɔːr.mə.də.bəl/ with rhotic /r/ and a mid /ə/ in the third syllable; UK: /ˈfɔː.mɪ.də.bəl/ uses more closed /ɪ/ in the second syllable and a non-rhotic ending in many dialects; AU: /ˈfɔː.mɪ.də.bəl/ similar to UK, but with Australian vowel quality where /ɪ/ sounds slightly centralized and the final /əl/ can be light or even elided in rapid speech. Across accents, the main variation is the second syllable vowel and rhoticity, not the basic four-syllable cadence.
The difficulty lies in the multi-syllabic structure and the sequence of vowels: a stressed open syllable /ˈfɔːr/ followed by a reduced /mə/ or /mɪ/ and a final /də.bəl/ or /də.bəl/. The combination of a long first vowel, the consonant cluster around /r/ or /ɹ/ in American speech, and the unstressed, reduced vowels can cause mispronunciations where stress shifts or the final /əl/ is obscured. Practicing each syllable with clear articulation helps stabilize rhythm and clarity.
A distinctive feature is the initial strong stress on FOR, followed by a rapid reduction to schwa in the middle vowels, then a clear /bə/ or /də/ before a final light /l/. The challenge is maintaining the first syllable prominence while making the inner vowels quick and unobtrusive. Visualize spoken rhythm as FOR-…-da-ble, where the middle syllables are breathy and compact, not elongating the word.
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Formidable comes from the Middle French formidable, from Latin formidolosus, meaning 'causing fear,' itself derived from formidare 'to fear, to dread' (from formid- 'fear' + suffix -are). The word entered English in the early 17th century with senses related to fearsome power or magnitude. Its usage has often carried a weight of awe or danger, evolving to describe objects, efforts, or people that provoke deep respect due to their size, strength, or complexity. Over time, the term extended into everyday usage as a versatile descriptor for anything perceived as daunting, from physical feats to bureaucratic processes. The semantic shift retains the core idea of something formidable that demands serious attention, preparation, or strategy, rather than casual handling.
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Words that rhyme with "Formidable"
-ble sounds
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