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adjectiveadjective

formidabile

formidable

Definition & meaning

Formidabile means formidable, impressive, or exceptional. It can describe a person, ability, achievement, or thing that inspires admiration.

It can also mean daunting or fearsome, especially when referring to an opponent, force, or challenge.

Grammar & Word origin

An adjective with the same singular form for masculine and feminine nouns: formidabile. Its plural is formidabili.

It comes from Latin formidabilis, meaning “causing fear,” from formidare, “to fear.” Its modern positive sense developed from the idea of inspiring awe.

Synonyms & antonyms

  • eccezionale — “exceptional”; emphasizes outstanding quality rather than power or intimidation.
  • straordinario — “extraordinary”; stresses that something is out of the ordinary.
  • temibile — “fearsome”; emphasizes the threatening or intimidating sense.
  • mediocre — “mediocre”; the opposite when formidabile means exceptional.
  • innocuo — “harmless”; an opposite when formidabile means threatening.

Common phrases & collocations

  • un avversario formidabile — a formidable opponent
  • un talento formidabile — an exceptional talent
  • un successo formidabile — a tremendous success
  • È formidabile! — It’s fantastic!

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Examples

Il film è formidabile.adjective

The film is formidable.

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