fortes crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "fortes crossword clue," organized by letter count to help you pinpoint the exact solution you need.
Solutions for "fortes crossword clue" by Letter Count
9 Letters
STRENGTHS: Referring to a person's strong points or talents.
7 Letters
TALENTS: Another common synonym for personal strengths or natural abilities.
6 Letters
ASSETS: Valuable qualities or advantages a person possesses.
5 Letters
LOUDS: In a musical context, this refers to passages played with strong volume.
GIFTS: Natural aptitudes or special endowments, similar to talents.
4 Letters
PROS: Short for 'proficiencies' or 'advantages', indicating strong points.
More About "fortes crossword clue"
The word "forte" originates from Latin, meaning "strong." In English, it has two primary meanings that often appear in crosswords. Most commonly, it refers to a person's strong point, talent, or area of expertise. For example, "Public speaking is her forte." The plural, "fortes," therefore, refers to multiple such strengths.
The second meaning of "forte" comes from music, where it's an Italian term indicating a passage should be played loudly. In this context, the plural "fortes" would refer to multiple loud sections within a musical piece. When encountering this clue, it's crucial to consider the potential context given by other clues in the puzzle. If there are other music-related terms, the latter meaning is more probable.
Crossword constructors love words like "fortes" because their dual meanings allow for creative and sometimes tricky clues. Always be prepared to consider both interpretations before committing to an answer, especially if an initial guess doesn't fit the letter count or conflicts with crossing words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: For clues with multiple meanings like "fortes," always look at surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme. Is it a music-themed puzzle? Or perhaps a personality traits theme?
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters required for the answer is your best guide. It often narrows down possibilities significantly, especially when synonyms vary greatly in length.
- Consider Pluralization: The clue "fortes" is plural. Ensure your answer is also plural (e.g., STRENGTHS, TALENTS, LOUDS), which is a common pitfall for solvers.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, the most direct synonym isn't the one the constructor chose. Consider less common but still valid synonyms or even antonyms if the clue hints at it (though not for "fortes").
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "fortes" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "fortes" most commonly refers to a person's strong points, talents, or areas of expertise. It is the plural of "forte." Less frequently, especially with a musical context clue, it might refer to loud musical passages (plural of "forte" as in "fortissimo").
How do I approach clues with multiple meanings like "fortes"?
When a clue has multiple meanings, check the length of the answer boxes. Longer answers often point to the more common, literal interpretation (like 'STRENGTHS' or 'ABILITIES'), while shorter answers might fit a less common or specific context (like 'LOUDS' for music). Also, look for surrounding clues that might give context (e.g., musical terms nearby).
Are there common synonyms for "fortes" in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for "fortes" when referring to strengths include TALENTS, ABILITIES, ASSETS, PROWESS, GIFTS, and sometimes VIRTUES. For the musical meaning, LOUDS is a possibility, though less common.