Adjective
/fɔrmiˈðaβle/
The word "formidable" in Spanish primarily describes something that instills fear or awe due to its impressive nature. It can refer to a person, object, or situation that is either intimidating because of its size or difficulty or is admired for its greatness or excellence. It is quite versatile and can be used in both written and oral contexts, but it tends to appear more in formal settings or literature, as well as in descriptive narratives.
The term is relatively common in both spoken and written Spanish, particularly in contexts where emphasis is placed on exceptional nature or difficulty.
His skill in sports is formidable.
La vista desde la cima de la montaña era formidable.
The view from the top of the mountain was formidable.
Es un desafío formidable completar este proyecto en tan poco tiempo.
Although "formidable" does not have specific idiomatic expressions, it can be used in a variety of contexts to enhance descriptive phrases. Below are some contextual uses that express strong emotions:
The movie was so formidable that I couldn’t stop talking about it.
Tienen una amistad formidable que todos envidian.
They have a formidable friendship that everyone envies.
Su capacidad de superación es formidable.
The word "formidable" originates from the Latin term "formidabilis," which means "to frighten" or "to be feared." Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings beyond fear, including admiration and respect.