formidable
/fɔʁ.mi.dabl/
The English phrase 'terrific' is translated into French as formidable.
formidable is an adjective used to describe something that is extremely good.
Meaning: extremely good (adj)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'formidable' often implies something daunting or intimidating, the French formidable is primarily used to mean 'wonderful' or 'terrific'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using Formidable ! as a standalone exclamation is a common, slightly enthusiastic way to express approval in conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective formidable is invariable in gender, meaning it stays the same for both masculine and feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 3 syllables: /fɔʁ.mi.dabl/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the French word 'terrible' to mean 'terrific'. In French, 'terrible' usually means 'awful' or 'dreadful'.
Did you know?
- Despite its positive use today, formidable originates from the Latin word formīdō, which means 'fear' or 'dread'.
- While formidable usually means 'terrific', it can still be used in a literal sense to mean 'intimidating' or 'daunting' when describing a challenge or an opponent.
- In very informal modern French, speakers often use the word génial instead of formidable to express that something is 'terrific'.
Examples in context
- Tom a été formidable.Tom was terrific.This sentence shows how to describe a person using formidable.Tatoeba #10096262 by Micsmithel, translation #2239865 by CK
- Vous avez fait un travail formidable.You've done a terrific job.This sentence shows how to describe a job using formidable.Tatoeba #7045097 by Aiji, translation #3390622 by CK
- Formidable !Terrific!This sentence uses formidable as a standalone exclamation of approval.Tatoeba #1613749 by Aiji, translation #52022 by Zifre
- La présentation que vous avez donnée était excellente.The presentation you gave was terrific.
- Votre travail est vraiment formidable.Your work is truly terrific.
- Le film que nous venons de voir était génial !The movie we just watched was terrific!
- J'ai passé une soirée super hier avec mes amis.I had a terrific evening yesterday with my friends.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing a recent concert they attended.
- HugoLe concert était vraiment formidable, n'est-ce pas ?The concert was truly terrific, wasn't it?
- ChloéOui, Hugo, c'était un moment formidable !Yes, Hugo, it was a terrific moment!
- HugoJe suis content que tu aies aimé.I am glad you liked it.
- ChloéTu as fait un choix formidable.You made a terrific choice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “terrific” translations and entries formidable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries formidable, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
