What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forte
Example
My forte is writing, so I enjoy working on creative projects. [forte: noun]
Example
She played the piano beautifully; it was clearly her forte. [forte: adjective]
specialty
Example
Her specialty is in marketing research, so she is well-versed in data analysis. [specialty: noun]
Example
The restaurant's specialty dish is a spicy seafood soup. [specialty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Specialty is more commonly used than forte in everyday language. Specialty is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while forte is less common and may be perceived as more formal or specialized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forte and specialty?
While both forte and specialty can be used in formal and informal contexts, forte may be perceived as more formal or specialized due to its less common usage.