noun

forte

FAW-tay

noun

Something a person is especially good at; a strong point.

"Public speaking has never been her forte."

"Baking is definitely his forte, not cooking savory dishes."

adv

Played loudly, as a musical direction.

"The conductor marked the passage to be played forte."

How to Use Forte

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone's particular talent or strength, or (in music) a loud passage.

Common mistake

The "strong point" sense is often pronounced "FOR-tay," though purists note the original French word is one syllable — both are now accepted.

Common pairings

not my forte her forte is

Word Forms

more forte comparative, more forte comparative, fortes plural, fortes plural, Fortes plural, most forte superlative, most forte superlative

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Public speaking has never been her _____.

Etymology

From French fort, "strong," reshaped in English to a two-syllable pronunciation by association with the unrelated Italian musical term forte, also meaning "strong" or "loud."

Synonyms

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bent gift knack long suit métier speciality strength strong suit talent

Antonyms

weak spot

Related Words

skill talent bent straight power gift bequest strength

Rhymes for forte

Porte

See all rhymes for forte →

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