forte
12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for forte, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Something a person is especially good at; a strong point.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Something a person is especially good at; a strong point.
“Public speaking has never been her forte.”
Opposites
weak spot
How to use forte
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
not my forte
her forte is
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."
Full origin of forte →Frequently asked questions
What does “forte” mean?
The word “forte” means something a person is especially good at; a strong point. In plain terms, someone's particular talent or strength, or (in music) a loud passage.
How do you pronounce “forte”?
“Forte” is pronounced FAW-tay (/ˈfoɹ.teɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “forte” in a sentence?
Here is “forte” used in a sentence: “Public speaking has never been her forte.”
What is another word for “forte”?
Words with a similar meaning to “forte” include bent, gift, knack, long suit, métier and speciality.
What is the opposite of “forte”?
The opposite of “forte” — its antonyms — is weak spot.
What part of speech is “forte”?
Depending on how it is used, “forte” can be a noun and an adverb.
Where does the word “forte” come from?
The word “forte” comes from French. 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.".
Is “forte” a common word?
“Forte” is an uncommon word in modern English.
