How to Pronounce “formidable”

American (US)

/ˈfɔɹmɪdəbəl/

British (UK)

/fɔːˈmɪdəbəl/

adjective — Causing fear, dread, awe, or discouragement as a result of size, strength, or some other impressive feature; commanding respect; causing wonder or astonishment.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈfɔɹmɪdəbəl/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “formidable” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “formidable” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈfɔɹmɪdəbəl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈfɔɹmɪdəbəl/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "formidable" mean?

formidable (adjective): Causing fear, dread, awe, or discouragement as a result of size, strength, or some other impressive feature; commanding respect; causing wonder or astonishment.

How do you pronounce "formidable" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈfɔɹmɪdəbəl/. British English: /fɔːˈmɪdəbəl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "formidable"?

/ˈfɔɹmɪdəbəl/ in American English, /fɔːˈmɪdəbəl/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "formidable"?

“formidable” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈfɔɹmɪdəbəl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.