How to Pronounce "formidable"
The correct pronunciation of "formidable" is FOR-mi-duh-buhl /ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "for-MID-uh-bul" habit for good.
formidable
/ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl/Inspiring fear or respect through being powerful or impressive.
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Record yourself saying “formidable” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "for-MID-uh-bul" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying 'for-MID-uh-bul' with the stress on the second syllable. | FOR-mi-duh-buhl /ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (FOR). |
How Do You Pronounce "formidable"?
"formidable" is pronounced FOR-mi-duh-buhl /ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl/. The stress is on the first syllable (FOR). As a adjective, it means inspiring fear or respect through being powerful or impressive.
The stress is on the FIRST syllable, FOR — not on 'MID' in the middle.
Note: A second-stress variant /fɔːˈmɪdəbəl/ ("for-MID-uh-bul") is now widely accepted, but the traditional taught form is front-stressed FOR-mi-duh-buhl.
Say "formidable" Step by Step
Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.
Break it into syllables
FOR-mi-duh-buhl — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (FOR). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The stress is on the FIRST syllable, FOR — not on 'MID' in the middle.
Blend and repeat
Now say "formidable" at normal speed: FOR-mi-duh-buhl. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "formidable" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)
Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.
FORWARD → FORMIDABLE
Both open with a stressed FOR-; keep the weight there.
NOT for-MID-uh-bul — FOR-mi-duh-buhl
Don't stress MID; only the first beat is loud.
Say at speed: "They faced a formidable opponent."
Front stress even at pace.
Why "formidable" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian English evens the word out and lands on the visible 'MID', pulling stress rightward.
Tip: Anchor the first beat: FOR-mi-duh-buhl, with the middle kept light.
Hear “formidable” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
They faced a formidable opponent.
She has a formidable reputation.
It was a formidable challenge.
Now say it inside a sentence
Getting "formidable" right on its own is the easy part. Pronunciation only sticks in connected speech. Read a passage aloud and get scored on accuracy and pace, word by word — free, no login.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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