Forte

Forte is a term with several related meanings in music, language, and weapon terminology. In music, forte (often abbreviated f) is a dynamic marking meaning loud. In general English usage, the word denotes a person’s strong point or area of expertise. In fencing and historical sword terminology, the forte refers to the portion of the blade near the hilt, considered the strongest part of the weapon.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from Italian forte meaning strong, which itself comes from Latin fortis. The sense of a strong point in a person’s abilities and the musical dynamic both trace back to this root. English usage adopts the term via Italian and French influences, with the musical sense embedded in formal score notation from the Baroque period onward.

In music: Forte indicates a relatively high volume and is part of a spectrum that includes piano (soft), mezzo-forte (moderately loud), and fortissimo (very loud). It is typically written as f in scores. In pronunciation, the musical term is commonly said as FOR-tay in English, reflecting its Italian origin; the broader sense of strength is more variably pronounced, with FOR-tay or FOR-tee both heard in speech.

In blade terminology: The forte is the section of a blade near the hilt that is strongest and less prone to bending, often delivering sturdy contact in use. The foible, by contrast, is the part closer to the tip and is more flexible. This distinction is noted in historical fencing literature and some contemporary sport contexts.

Usage notes: Forte appears in discussions of skills, talents, and areas of expertise as well as in musical or historical contexts. Pronunciation may vary by context and speaker, though the musical sense adheres to the Italian form.