5 syllables: in, ti, mi, da, ting. Stress on ti.
/ˌɪˈntɪmɪˌdeɪtɪŋ/
Say it backIntimidating describes something that causes fear or a sense of threat through appearance, manner, or circumstances. It conveys a strong, overwhelming impression that can make others feel small or cautious. The word often implies a deliberate, imposing effect rather than mere danger. It functions as an adjective in most contexts, sometimes as part of the phrase intimidating to others.
"The towering fortress and its guards were intimidating to the visitors."
"Her confident, sharp gaze was enough to be intimidating to the new team."
"The sheer scale of the project was intimidating to the interns, but they rose to the challenge."
Pronounce as in-TIM-i-da-ting with primary stress on the second syllable. IPA US/UK/AU: ɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪtɪŋ. Start with a short i as in it, then n, then a clear TIM cluster, then -i- DEI- ting sequence where -de- is a light, quick syllable, and -ting ends with a soft ng. Mouth: lips relaxed, tip of tongue at alveolar ridge for t, tongue height mid-high for i sounds, final ng with velar constriction.
Common errors: misplacing stress (e.g., in-TIM-i-da-ting), pronouncing -ting as -ting without ipa hiatus, or mispronouncing the middle vowel sequence as -mit- instead of -mɪ-. Corrections: keep primary stress on the second syllable, ensure the /tɪ/ is clearly pronounced, and articulate /deɪ/ as a quick deɪ with a light d and a clear long a. Use a brief pause-like separation before the final -tɪŋ to avoid merging segments.
US/UK/AU share ɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪtɪŋ, but rhoticity affects the initial r-coloring in other words only; for intimidating, rhoticity is not a factor since it lacks r. AU may slightly reduce the /ɪ/ in unstressed positions, and some UK speakers may give a slightly more clipped /ˌd-eɪ/ sequence, whereas US tends to a fuller /deɪ/ with a longer mid vowel. Overall, the primary stress remains on 2nd syllable across regions.
Key challenges: two adjacent unstressed syllables between primary stress cause a quick, smooth transition that can blur syllable boundaries. The sequence /ˈtɪm/ + /ɪ/ + /ˌdeɪ/ requires careful timing; beginners often merge /m/ and /ɪ/ or misplace stress leading to in-TIM-i-da-ting. Also the final -ting cluster /tɪŋ/ can be softened or elided in casual speech. Practicing with slow articulation helps anchor the rhythm.
A notable feature is the three-syllable coil around the root temporaries: the 'tim' and 'deɪ' units. The syllable boundary between -ɪ- and -deɪ- is crucial; ensure a clear /ˈtɪmɪ/ onset followed by a distinct /ˌdeɪ/. The presence of -tɪŋ at the end requires keeping the velar nasal /ŋ%/ clearly articulated and avoiding a rushed release from /d/ into /tɪŋ/.
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Intimidating derives from the verb intimidate, which comes from Late Latin intimidare, meaning to frighten or make afraid. The Latin intimidare is formed from in- (not) + timēre (to fear). The sense evolved in English through French influence during the Middle Ages, where intimidate carried the core idea of instilling fear to deter. By the 17th and 18th centuries, intimidate also carried the nuance of compelling or deterring through fear, extended to situations beyond direct danger, such as formidable appearances, social pressure, or daunting tasks. The modern participial form intimidat-ing shifted into common usage to describe things or people that have the quality of causing fear or awe. The word’s roots emphasize fear-induced action, with the participial ending -ing signaling ongoing or characteristic influence in contemporary usage. First known use in a roughly modern sense appears in early modern English writing, aligning with evolving social and political rhetoric where intimidation played a role in power dynamics.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "intimidating" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "intimidating"
-ing sounds
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