Forte
/ˈfɔːrteɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsA thing at which someone excels; a strong point.
/ˈfɔːrteɪ/
A person's strong suit or special skill.
His forte is playing the piano.
💡 Simply: Your forte is like your superpower! It's something you're really, really good at. For instance, if you're super good at drawing, drawing is your forte. If you are an amazing singer, singing is your forte!
👶 For kids: When you're good at something, like playing tag, that's your forte!
More Examples
Writing code is her forte.
Marketing is not my forte, but I'm trying to improve.
The chef's forte was creating unique and delicious desserts.
How It's Used
"Her forte is public speaking."
"His forte lies in technical problem-solving."
Loudly; in music, to be played loudly.
/ˈfɔːrteɪ/
Used in musical notation to indicate that a passage should be played loudly
The orchestra played the opening bars forte.
💡 Simply: In music, forte tells you to play the music LOUD! Think of it as 'shouting' with your instrument.
👶 For kids: When playing music, forte means play it LOUD!
More Examples
The pianist was instructed to play the section forte.
The score indicated that the crescendo should build to forte.
Play that passage forte to emphasize the dramatic effect.
How It's Used
"Play the first movement forte."
From French, meaning "strong point" or "strong side." Ultimately from Latin fortis, meaning "strong."
The word 'forte' has been used since the 18th century in both its meanings, originally borrowed from French and Italian for music.
Memory tip
Think of your FORT (stronghold) as your FORTE.
Word Origin
"strong point, strength"