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forte

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The definition of forte is an area of expertise or the thing which a person does very well.

(noun)

An example of forte is skiing for an Olympic skier.

See forte in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the strongest part of the blade of a sword, between the middle and the hilt
a thing that a person does particularly well; special accomplishment or strong point

Origin: Fr, fem. of fort, replacing ME, strength < OFr: see fort

adjective, adverb

loud

Origin: It < L fortis, strong: see fort

noun

a forte passage

See forte in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Something in which a person excels.
The strong part of a sword blade, between the middle and the hilt.

Origin:

Origin: French fort

Origin: , from Old French, strong

Origin: , from Latin fortis; see fort

Usage Note: The word forte, coming from French fort, should properly be pronounced with one syllable, like the English word fort. Common usage, however, prefers the two-syllable pronunciation, (fôrˈtāˌ), which has been influenced possibly by the music term forte borrowed from Italian. In a recent survey a strong majority of the Usage Panel, 74 percent, preferred the two-syllable pronunciation. The result is a delicate situation; speakers who are aware of the origin of the word may wish to continue to pronounce it as one syllable but at an increasing risk of puzzling their listeners.

adverb & adj. Abbr. f

In a loud, forceful manner. Used chiefly as a direction.

noun

A note, passage, or chord played forte.

Origin:

Origin: Italian, strong, forte

Origin: , from Latin fortis; see bhergh-² in Indo-European roots

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