formidable beauty

USAGE SUMMARY

"formidable beauty" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to describe something or someone who is intimidating in their beauty. For example, "The model was a formidable beauty with her perfect figure and piercing gaze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Melissa Errico's formidable beauty is probably the most persuasive element in the Irish Repertory Theater's revival of George Bernard Shaw's breakthrough comedy "Candida".

The New York Times

Related slideshow: Formidable beauty in the Scottish Highlands.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A formidable Polish beauty, Lola was an exotic nouveau-riche specimen who taught her daughter the power of a good story.

The Economist

It is a hypnotic whittle: a swift, circular trim with a small curved knife, that transforms each globe from a formidable purple-armoured beauty into a vulnerable pale tulip.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not many New Yorkers know of this urban wilderness and for those who do, getting there and enjoying its natural beauty is a formidable task.

The New York Times

There is a sextet of almost equal beauty and some formidable effusions from the opera's only woman, Zayda, as sung here by the Bulgarian soprano Vesselina Kasarova.

The New York Times - Arts

Mussorgsky's unremitting meditation on mortality, meanwhile, was simply outstanding, its seductive morbidity and nihilistic violence all the more chilling for being delivered with such beauty of tone and formidable authority.

The Guardian - Music

"This room left no one indifferent to its exotic beauty," intones my guide, a formidable-looking woman called Valentina, as we step into the new Amber Room.

Forbes

Thursday night's performance of Britten's String Quartet No. 2 by the formidable Escher String Quartet brought out the autumnal beauty and structural rigor in the chamber music of that British composer, still best known for his operas.

The New York Times - Arts

While there are more formidable pieces in the exhibit, none can match the stark beauty of the wooden three-note whistles of the Nuna people of Burkina Faso.

The New York Times - Arts

Even so, the wild beauty of his 1973 debut Badlands casts a formidable shadow, while his sprawling 1999 war epic The Thin Red Line at least proved that the master had lost none of his magic.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable beauty" to describe a beauty that is not only attractive but also leaves a strong, potentially intimidating impression.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable beauty" in everyday conversation or informal writing. It is best suited for more formal or descriptive contexts where you want to emphasize the impressive and potentially overwhelming nature of someone's beauty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable beauty" functions as a noun phrase where "formidable" modifies the noun "beauty". It is used to describe a quality of striking and potentially intimidating attractiveness, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable beauty" is a phrase used to describe a beauty that is not only attractive but also leaves a strong, potentially intimidating impression. It is grammatically correct and finds its usage primarily in news and media contexts. While not overly common, it adds a distinctive flavor to descriptive writing when the goal is to emphasize the striking and powerful nature of beauty. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is acceptable in written English, emphasizing its use in contexts where the intention is to convey an imposing and awe-inspiring image.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stunning gorgeousness

Focuses on the breathtaking and magnificent nature of being gorgeous.

striking attractiveness

Focuses on the visual impact and attractiveness.

intimidating allure

Highlights the intimidating aspect of the attractiveness.

remarkable good looks

Highlights the noticeable and exceptional nature of the appearance.

powerful charm

Emphasizes the strength and effectiveness of the charm.

daunting exquisiteness

Highlights the awe-inspiring and delicate beauty.

imposing loveliness

Stresses the impressive and grand nature of the loveliness.

arresting handsomeness

Highlights the way handsomeness captures attention.

breathtaking magnificence

Emphasizes the awe-inspiring and grand beauty.

commanding presence

Shifts focus to an overall commanding impression, encompassing more than just physical features.

FAQs

How can I use "formidable beauty" in a sentence?

You can use "formidable beauty" to describe someone whose beauty is striking and perhaps even a little intimidating. For instance, "Her "formidable beauty" made her stand out in any crowd".

What's the difference between "formidable beauty" and "remarkable beauty"?

"Formidable beauty" implies a beauty that is impressive and perhaps even a little intimidating, while "remarkable beauty" simply indicates a beauty that is noteworthy or exceptional. The former suggests a stronger, more impactful visual presence.

Are there synonyms for "formidable beauty" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "striking attractiveness", "intimidating allure", or "stunning gorgeousness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "formidable beauty" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "formidable beauty" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize the strong and impactful nature of someone's beauty. It adds a sense of grandeur and presence to the description.