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

Igor Levit, a pianist of awe-inspiring insight and redoubtable technique, decided to conduct himself during his solo recital at Carnegie Hall on Thursday.

From New York Times

The character is a light-fingered thief who badgers, bothers and bewilders Po as the two of them venture forth to match wits and martial arts skills with a shape-shifting lizard villainess impressively, menacingly, voiced by the redoubtable Viola Davis.

From Seattle Times

The saxophonist Charles Lloyd’s composition “Monk’s Dance” pays homage to the pianist Thelonious Monk, and he shares it with a redoubtable pianist: Jason Moran, who starts the track with a skittery, vertiginous, harmonically restless intro that also hints at ragtime.

From New York Times

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

From Salon