Fill in the blank with the correct word from the given options:-

Rohit was a ______ opponent, and I respected him for that.

formidable

The correct answer is Option (1) → formidable

Formidable means inspiring respect or wonder because of size, strength, or capability. In a competitive context, a formidable opponent is one who is tough, challenging, and commands respect due to their skill. This fits perfectly with the latter part of the sentence: "...and I respected him for that."

• Dreadful: Means causing or involving great suffering, fear, or unhappiness; extremely bad or serious. While an opponent might be dreadful to face, this word emphasizes negative fear or aversion, not the respect implied by the sentence.

• Forbidding: Means unfriendly or threatening in appearance. This usually describes places or looks, not typically the capability of an opponent that inspires respect.

• Indulgent: Means having or indicating a readiness to tolerate or permit bad behavior or characterized by excessive lenience. This is completely irrelevant to being a challenging opponent.