Words / C2

ri-DOWT-uh-bl/rɪˈdaʊtəbl/

Redoubtable means formidable, especially as an opponent; inspiring respect and a little fear: a redoubtable examiner, a redoubtable foe. Formidable (already in the dictionary) is inspiring fear or respect through size, power, or skill — the close twin. Intrepid and doughty (already in the dictionary) are fearless, and brave and persistent, of the person facing danger more than of the opponent feared. This batch: puissant is powerful; pusillanimous is timid — the opposite flavour. Range does not fill an empty cell.

Meaning

Formidable, especially as an opponent; inspiring respect and a little fear.

Examples

• “A redoubtable examiner still has to fill the n.”
• “Formidable is impressive and hard to beat (already in B2). Intrepid is fearless (already in C2). Doughty is brave and persistent (already in C2). Puissant is powerful (this batch). Pusillanimous is contemptibly timid (this batch) — the contrast. Breadth on the right object can still be exact. Reputation instead of a dated n is theatre. Write the number; then the aura.”

Good to know

Formidable; commanding respect. Close: formidable (already in B2); intrepid / doughty (already in C2). This batch: puissant; pusillanimous (the contrast). Aura ≠ an n.

Near in meaning

formidable, daunting, fearsome, imposing

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