forte: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Educated, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “forte” mean?
A person's strong point, special talent, or the area in which they most excel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person's strong point, special talent, or the area in which they most excel.
The strongest part of a sword blade, from the hilt to the middle; or (in music) a direction to play loudly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The pronunciation of the 'talent' meaning (/fɔːt/ vs. /fɔːrt/) varies more in the US, where some speakers use a two-syllable pronunciation (/ˈfɔːr.teɪ/ or /ˈfɔːr.ti/) for this meaning. In the UK, the one-syllable French-style pronunciation is virtually universal for the 'talent' meaning.
Connotations
In British English, using the one-syllable pronunciation (/fɔːt/) for 'talent' is a mark of educated usage. In American English, usage guides have historically condemned the two-syllable pronunciation for 'talent', but it remains common.
Frequency
The 'talent' meaning is significantly more frequent than the musical or fencing meanings in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “forte” in a Sentence
to be someone's forteforte is/was + [V-ing/NP] (e.g., 'His forte was public speaking.')NP + be + not + my/your/his/her forteVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to discuss an employee's or a company's core competencies. 'Our forte is customer service, not logistics.'
Academic
Used in analyses of skills or historical figures. 'Logical reasoning was her academic forte.'
Everyday
Used conversationally to discuss personal strengths or weaknesses. 'Cooking has never been my forte.'
Technical
In music: a dynamic marking. In fencing: the part of the blade from the middle to the hilt.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “forte”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “forte”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forte”
- Using the word to mean 'weakness' (opposite error).
- Spelling it as 'fort'.
- Mispronouncing the 'talent' meaning with two syllables in formal British contexts.
- Using 'forte' as an adjective meaning 'strong' (it is a noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In British English, the standard and traditionally educated pronunciation for the 'talent' meaning is the one-syllable /fɔːt/. In American English, the two-syllable /ˈfɔːr.teɪ/ is widely used, though some usage guides still prefer /fɔːrt/. The two-syllable pronunciation is standard for the Italian musical term.
No. While it originates from French and Italian adjectives meaning 'strong', in modern English 'forte' (meaning strong point) is a noun. Do not say 'He is forte at maths.' Say 'Maths is his forte.'
'Forte' refers to a specific area of strength or talent, often among several. 'Expertise' implies a higher level of specialised knowledge and skill in that area. You can have a forte without being an expert (e.g., 'My forte is telling jokes'), but expertise suggests deeper, professional-level knowledge.
It is moderately formal or educated. In casual conversation, 'strong point' or 'thing I'm good at' are more common. It appears frequently in written English, business contexts, and analyses.
A person's strong point, special talent, or the area in which they most excel.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “His forte is...”
- “It's not my forte”
- “To play to one's forte”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FORTE' sounds like 'FORT' – a fort is a place of strength. Your forte is your strong point.
Conceptual Metaphor
TALENT/EXPERTISE IS STRENGTH (e.g., 'That's his strong point.' 'His forte is languages.')
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common meaning and standard British pronunciation of 'forte'?