daunting
Definition
- Adjective:
- Causing fear, anxiety, or intimidation that discourages action or effort: Something described as daunting appears so difficult, challenging, or overwhelming that it can make one feel afraid or lose confidence about attempting it.
Usage
- The adjective "daunting" is used to describe tasks, challenges, prospects, or amounts that seem very difficult to deal with or overcome. It emphasizes the psychological effect of making someone feel intimidated or discouraged.
- It is typically placed before a noun (e.g., a daunting task) or used after a linking verb like "seem," "appear," or "be" (e.g., The challenge seems daunting).
Examples
- Before a noun:
- Moving to a new country alone is a daunting prospect.
- She faced the daunting challenge of learning a new language in six months.
- After a linking verb:
- The amount of work still to be done appears daunting.
- Climbing the mountain was daunting, but they were determined to try.
Advanced Usage
- "Find something daunting": To perceive something as intimidating or discouraging.
- Many students find public speaking daunting.
- "Dauntingly" (adverb): In a manner that causes fear or intimidation.
- The exam was dauntingly difficult.
Variants and Related Words
- Daunt (verb): To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive.
- He was not daunted by the criticism.
- Undismayed (adjective): Not discouraged or disheartened. (An opposite state)
- She remained undismayed by the setbacks.
Synonyms
- Intimidating: Frightening in a way that makes someone feel less confident.
- Formidable: Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, or capable.
- Overwhelming: Very great in amount; so intense as to be difficult to cope with.
Antonyms
- Encouraging: Giving someone support, confidence, or hope.
- Reassuring: Serving or intended to remove someone's doubts or fears.
- Manageable: Able to be controlled or dealt with without great difficulty.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- A daunting task/challenge/prospect: A common collocation emphasizing the difficulty of what lies ahead.
- Rebuilding after the hurricane is a daunting task for the community.
Adjective
-
discouraging through fear
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