Etymology Map
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Formidable

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means inspiring fear or respect

Where does the word "formidable" come from? It comes from Latin formidabilis, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
formidabilis
Latin · ancient
"terrifying"
from 'formido', fear
2
Stage 2 of 3
formidable
Old French · medieval
"dreadful"
Latin 'formido' meant terror or dread; the word has since softened toward 'impressively great'
3
Stage 3 of 3
formidable
English · 1400s
"frightening"
the sense 'impressively powerful' dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Formidable’s story begins in Latin: formidabilis meant “terrifying.” From 'formido', fear. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as formidable. Latin 'formido' meant terror or dread; the word has since softened toward 'impressively great'. It reached English by 1400s as formidable. The sense 'impressively powerful' dates from the 1800s. Today, formidable means inspiring fear or respect.