French word

redoutable

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁədutabl/

Meaning

  • adjectiveformidable

Example

C'est un adversaire redoutable.

He is a formidable opponent.

Illustration for redoutable (formidable)

More examples

Cette arme est redoutable.

This weapon is formidable.

Core concept

A formidable opponent or obstacle that demands skill, effort, and respect to overcome.

Common phrases

  • un adversaire redoutable

    a formidable opponent

  • une arme redoutable

    a formidable weapon

  • une réputation redoutable

    a formidable reputation

Similar words

formidable: Strong and imposing, making it hard to manage.
difficile: Not easy to do because it involves substantial difficulty.
compliqué: Made up of intricate parts or steps that are hard to understand or manage.
corsé: Informally, difficult and troublesome to deal with.

Definition in French

Qui pose une réelle difficulté à surmonter, provoquant crainte, admiration ou respect.

Word origin

The adjective redoutable is formed from redouter, 'to fear', with the suffix -able, giving the sense of something that can rightly be feared.

Usage tips

  • Redoutable applies to people and abstract challenges such as an exam, a problem, or a strategy, not only to physically dangerous things.

Other meanings

  • fearsomeadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word