How to pronounce formidable
Say it like FOR-muh-duh-bul. Formidable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR).
- FOR
- muh
- duh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Formidable pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of formidable
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FAW-mih-duh-bul.
Other ways to say formidable
Formidable also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- for-MID-uh-bul /ˌfɔrˈmɪdəbəl/
What does formidable mean?
- Causing fear, dread, awe, or discouragement as a result of size, strength, or some other impressive feature; commanding respect; causing wonder or astonishment.
- Difficult to defeat or overcome.“a formidable opponent”
Where does formidable come from?
From Middle English formidable, from Old French formidable, formible, from Latin formīdābilis (“formidable, terrible”) (whence -able), from formīdō (“fear, dread”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying formidable
How do you pronounce formidable?
Say FOR-muh-duh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɔrmədəbəl/. In British English it is /ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in formidable?
Formidable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR). Broken into parts: FOR · muh · duh · bul.
Is formidable pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl/ (FAW-mih-duh-bul).