rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryfortePersonal strength
noun

forte

FORT/fɔːrt/

A person's strong point or special talent.

Playing the violin is her forte, and her friends listen admiringly.

Young Black woman effortlessly plays a difficult violin passage while friends listen impressed, visible confidence and special musical talent, no text.
Etymology
forteFrenchstrong part of a sword blade

French fort named the strong part of a sword blade. That physical “strong point” became a figurative strong point of a person: the talent or activity in which someone excels.

In context

Susan Salvo14:29
his Forte was writing he wrote over 100 articles on massage therapy
History of Massage in the U.S.

More examples

  • Public speaking isn't my forte, but I'm getting better.
  • Baking is his forte, especially when it comes to bread.
  • Patience and careful planning are her fortes.

Forms

forte · fortes

Similar words

strength
A broader term for any positive quality or ability.
talent
Emphasizes natural ability rather than someone's strongest area.
specialty
Emphasizes a focused area of expertise, often developed professionally.