How to Pronounce “forte”

American (US)

/fɔːrt/

British (UK)

/fɔːteɪ/

noun — A thing at which someone excels; a strong point.

Example: Small talk was never his forte.

Synonyms: strength, speciality

Antonyms: weakness

The final e is silent. The transcription /fɔːrt/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “forte” is not pronounced.

A loanword from French and Italian. Two words with one spelling. The “strong point” sense comes from French and is traditionally one syllable, “fort”; the musical “loud” is Italian and is “FOR-tay”. Both are now heard for the first sense.

What does "forte" mean?

forte (noun): A thing at which someone excels; a strong point. For example — Small talk was never his forte.

How do you pronounce "forte" in American vs British English?

American English: /fɔːrt/. British English: /fɔːteɪ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "forte"?

/fɔːrt/ in American English, /fɔːteɪ/ in British English.

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