Word
fearsome
Phoneticsfear·some, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɪɹsəm/
UK/fˈiəsʌm/
Definition
adj. describing something that looks very scary or powerful. You use it for things that make people feel afraid because they are strong or dangerous.
adj. inspiring fear or respect through an impressive or intimidating appearance or character.
Examples
“The tiger had a fearsome set of teeth.”
“The team faced a fearsome opponent in the finals, known for their aggressive and fast-paced style of play.”
“The fortress was protected by a fearsome array of cannons and high stone walls that had discouraged invaders for centuries.”
Examples
simple
“The tiger had a fearsome set of teeth.”
contextual
“The team faced a fearsome opponent in the finals, known for their aggressive and fast-paced style of play.”
complex
“The fortress was protected by a fearsome array of cannons and high stone walls that had discouraged invaders for centuries.”
Usage
Often used to describe physical appearance, reputations, or natural forces.
Real-World Examples
“City have long considered a trip to Liverpool the most fearsome away game of the season.” “The actor also played fearsome clown Pennywise in the 1990 TV version of Stephen King's It, and was Long John Silver in 1996's Muppet Treasure Island.” “It's a fearsome task to figure out what kind of meta-atoms you need, let alone to make them, but the idea is clear enough in theory.” Etymology
From fear + -some. Compare German furchtsam (“fearful”, obsolete also “fearsome”); this is more closely equivalent to English frightsome, however.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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