redoutable
formidable
Se dit de quelqu'un ou de quelque chose qui inspire la peur, le respect ou l'admiration par sa force, son talent ou sa puissance.
Definition & meaning
Redoutable is a French adjective meaning fearsome, formidable, daunting, or highly dangerous.
It describes someone or something that inspires fear, respect, or apprehension because of its power, skill, effectiveness, or danger.
- A redoutable opponent is a formidable or tough opponent.
- A redoutable weapon is a dangerous and powerful weapon.
- A redoutable adversary is a fearsome or highly capable adversary.
The word can be negative, referring to a serious threat, but it can also express admiration for someone’s exceptional ability or effectiveness.
Grammar & Word origin
Redoutable is an adjective. It has the same form in the masculine and feminine:
- masculine singular: redoutable
- feminine singular: redoutable
- masculine or feminine plural: redoutables
It comes from the verb redouter , meaning “to fear,” “to dread,” or “to be apprehensive of,” combined with the suffix -able, meaning “capable of being” or “worthy of being.”
The literal sense is therefore “worthy of being feared” or “capable of causing fear.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- formidable : very close in meaning; it can mean “formidable,” “impressive,” or “difficult to overcome,” and is often less explicitly associated with fear.
- douteux : not a direct synonym in modern usage; in certain contexts, a person or situation that is “doubtful” may be considered worrying, but this word does not normally mean “fearsome.”
- dangereux : means “dangerous,” emphasizing the possibility of harm rather than the respect or apprehension inspired.
- menaçant : means “threatening,” emphasizing an apparent or imminent threat.
- impressionnant : means “impressive” or “striking,” and may be positive, whereas redoutable usually suggests that something is difficult, powerful, or dangerous.
Antonyms
- inoffensif : harmless and incapable of causing significant damage.
- inoffensive : the feminine form of “harmless.”
- faible : weak or lacking power, rather than powerful or difficult to overcome.
- inoffensif : harmless, especially when redoutable refers to danger.
Common phrases & collocations
- un adversaire redoutable — a formidable opponent
- un ennemi redoutable — a fearsome enemy
- une arme redoutable — a powerful or dangerous weapon
- une efficacité redoutable — remarkable or devastating effectiveness
- une logique redoutable — exceptionally powerful or rigorous reasoning
- une précision redoutable — extraordinary, almost intimidating precision
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Examples
Les tigres sont des chasseurs redoutables dans la jungle.adjective
Tigers are formidable hunters in the jungle.
Ces épreuves se sont révélées redoutables pour les débutants.adjective
These trials proved formidable for beginners.
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