forte
What you're best at
Forte has two meanings with different pronunciations.
A person's forte (one syllable, rhyming with "fort") is their strong point or area of expertise: Cooking isn't my forte.
In music, forte (two syllables, FOR-tay) means loud or loudly, the opposite of piano.
The two-syllable pronunciation has bled into the "strong suit" meaning, and many speakers now say FOR-tay for both.
Skill from extensive practice
- specializationConcentrated expertise in one field
- masteryComplete skill or control
- proficiencySkilled performance level
- talentInborn aptitude
aptitude · gift · knack · strength · niche · specialty · competence · domain
Minor personal flaw
- bladeFlat cutting edge
- parryDefensive blade deflection
- thrustForceful forward motion
- lungeSudden forward movement
riposte · foil · épée · sabre · guard · attack · touché · piste
expertise
Skill from extensive practice
- specializationConcentrated expertise in one field
- masteryComplete skill or control
- proficiencySkilled performance level
talent · aptitude · gift · knack · strength · niche · specialty · competence · domain · wheelhouse
foible
Minor personal flaw
lunge · riposte · foil · épée · sabre · guard · attack · touché · piste · bout
piano
Keyed percussion instrument
accent · marcato · conductor · notation · symphony · orchestra · volume · expression · emphasis · intensity
blade
Flat cutting edge
tip · pommel · crossguard · grip · fuller · foible · edge · point · sheath · scabbard
- classical music termspiano concerto, violin concerto, concerto, sonata, tone poem
- musical notationscore, piano, sheet music, notation, lead sheet
- signature movesfinishing move, trademark, special attack, special move, signature move
- skillsskills, skill, ability, abilities, competencies
- classical musicBach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms
- French Loanwordsa la carte, ballet, a la mode, au revoir, bon appetit
forteweakness
Deficiency in force
weak point · failing · foible · shortcoming · deficiency
fortepiano
Keyed percussion instrument
softly · pianissimo · quietly · sotto voce · gently
- too close for comfortProximity causing anxiety
- hold the fortAssume temporary responsibility
- driving forcePower behind movement
- hold down the fortMaintain responsibility temporarily
- police forceOfficial law enforcement body
- full forceComplete power applied
force, comfort, effort, fort, fortress, forceful, reinforce, fortify, fortified