fearsome

Everyday

1. Fearsome means very frightening to look at or meet, because it is big, strong or dangerous. tree →
2. It can also mean very impressive or hard to deal with: «a fearsome reputation». tree →

In the lessons

In stories and nature lessons, fearsome creatures such as sharks, T. rex and dragons are described with this word. In sport, a fearsome team or player is one others are scared to play. Phrases: «a fearsome reputation», «fearsome teeth», «a fearsome warrior».

Examples

• The T. rex had fearsome teeth. tree →
• The knight faced a fearsome dragon. tree →
• Vikings were fearsome warriors. tree →
• Our netball team has a fearsome reputation. tree →
• The storm made a fearsome noise. tree →
• The tiger looked fearsome but was asleep. tree →
• Then the fearsome thing gave a loud roar, and stamped with both his feet upon the pavement, and out of the church he went after the sprightly tailor. tree →

Note

Built from «fear» + «-some» (like «troublesome»). Similar: frightening, terrifying, formidable. Describes the frightening thing, not the scared person.