redoubtable

[ ri-dou-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. that is to be feared; formidable.
2. commanding or evoking respect, reverence, or the like.

redoubtable

/ rɪˈdaʊtəbəl /

adjective

1. to be feared; formidable
2. worthy of respect

Derived Forms

• reˈdoubtableness, noun
• reˈdoubtably, adverb

Other Words From

• re·doubta·ble·ness noun
• re·doubta·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of redoubtable¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English redoutable, from Middle French, equivalent to redout(er) “to fear” ( re- re- + douter “to fear, doubt” ) + -able “be capable of”; doubt, -able

Word History and Origins

Origin of redoubtable¹

C14: from Old French, from redouter to dread, from re- + douter to be afraid, doubt

Example Sentences

Elsewhere, his redoubtable work ethic saw him launch a record label and hip-hop magazine Vibe, as well as producing films like The Color Purple and TV shows including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

From BBC

We have already seen the redoubtable power of abortion rights in virtually every election since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v.

From Salon

Saka, on the fifth anniversary of his senior Arsenal debut, was particularly redoubtable despite being frequently fouled.

From BBC

One was Tim Moore, the redoubtable Republican speaker of the state House.

From New York Times

“Today, this great country is closing like a redoubtable trap on political opponents and citizens who dare dream of a veritable state of law.”

From Seattle Times