Forte Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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forte
[fษหrหteษช ]
Definitions
strong point
In English, 'forte' refers to a person's strong point or talent. It is often used to describe an area where someone excels or has a particular skill.
Synonyms
proficiency, skill, strength, talent.
Examples of usage
- Her forte is graphic design.
- Mathematics has always been his forte.
- Cooking is definitely not my forte.
- Public speaking is one of her fortes.
musical term
In music, 'forte' indicates that a passage should be played loudly. It is an Italian term used in sheet music notation to instruct musicians.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The musician played the piece with a forte.
- She marked the notes to be played forte.
- The forte section really brought energy to the composition.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Music
- In music, 'forte' signals to play loudly, reflecting vitality and strength in sound, enhancing performance impact.
- Musicians often blend dynamic markings like 'forte' to express emotions and dramatic flourishes in pieces.
Psychology
- Identifying personal fortรฉs can boost self-esteem and motivation, enabling individuals to focus on what they're good at.
- Research indicates that leveraging one's fortes can lead to greater satisfaction and success in various life areas.
Literature
- In literary analysis, a character's forte often defines their role in the story, shaping motivational and conflict dynamics.
- Authors skillfully play with a character's forte to create tension, developing complex personalities through their strengths.
Pop Culture
- The term gained popularity in talent shows, where contestants showcase their fortรฉs to capture audience attention.
- In video games, a character's forte often determines their abilities and strengths, influencing strategy for players.
Origin of 'forte'
Main points about word origin
- Originally from the French word 'fort', meaning 'strong', it was borrowed into English to describe someone's strong point.
- The pronunciation can be tricky; in music, it means 'loudly' but usually, we say 'forte' to refer to a skill.
The word 'forte' originates from the Italian language, where it means 'strong' or 'strength.' In a musical context, its usage can be traced back to the early 17th century when it was adopted into musical terminology to denote dynamic strength in playing. The term was derived from the Latin 'fortis,' which also means strong. In its non-musical use, the application of 'forte' to describe a person's strong point emerged in the late 19th century, reflecting a person's abilities or talents. The dual usage of 'forte' in both music and everyday language has allowed it to become a versatile term that conveys strength and capability.