forte Hear it!

forte¹ Definition

forte (fôrt, fōrt; for 2 often fôr′tā′)

noun

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

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

forte² Definition

forte (fôr′tā′)

adjective, adverb

loud

Etymology: It < L fortis, strong: see fort

noun

a forte passage

forte Synonyms

forte

n.

gift, strong point, talent, specialty, strength, bent, métier, long suit, thing*; see also talent 1.

forte Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • have: The Lee Hall also has a full-size piano forte, which is available for use by all members.
  • place: Carnot's military masterpiece De la défense des places fortes was published in 1809.

Adjective modifier

  • particular: His particular forte being in the catering field where many Harriers have enjoyed the taste of Keith's butties.
  • real: In particular, ultra races, with 40 miles being my real forte.
  • main: My personal assistant is Caroline whose main forte is Internet research.
  • great: Places rather than mere architecture were his greatest forte: architecture, a component of places, was too limiting.
  • double: The first note was a top G double forte.

Modifies a noun

passage: No conductor in recorded history has ever asked for less tenor in a forte passage.

Noun used with modifier

  • peine: Oh, la peine forte et dure of idleness!
  • team: Team forte Trinidad and Tobago are relying on a strong attacking presence if all goes to plan.
  • mezzo: And as you player harder, the sound switches to that of a piano being played mezzo forte or forte.
  • piano: The Lee Hall also has a full-size piano forte, which is available for use by all members.