noun
Uncommon
forte
FAW-tay
Forte (noun) means something a person is especially good at; a strong point. Example: “Public speaking has never been her forte.”
noun
1
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
1
Played loudly, as a musical direction.
"The conductor marked the passage to be played forte."
How to use forte
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- fortes
- Comparative
- more forte
- Superlative
- most forte
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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
View more →Antonyms
piano
weak spot
Related words
Rhymes for forte
See all rhymes for 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.
