Metier
n.capable, joyfulformal
What it means
The work or activity to which a person's abilities are especially well suited.
Reach for it when identifying a natural professional or creative domain after ability has been demonstrated
Explaining complex machines in plain language became the curator's metier.
Choose between these
7- everyday
forte
one activity stands out as a personal strength
not when A forte can be a narrow skill rather than a whole field of work.
- everyday
line
informal phrasing identifies a line of work
not when Line is vague and says nothing about special suitability.
- warm
calling
deep purpose draws someone toward the work
not when Calling emphasizes vocation and does not prove exceptional aptitude.
- warm
practiced making and technique define the work
not when Craft stresses learned skill and may not cover leadership or analysis.
- professional
field
neutral language identifies an area of work or study
not when A field can include many roles that do not suit the individual.
- professional
specialty
a defined area of particular expertise is meant
not when A specialty may be learned reluctantly and need not feel like a natural metier.
- literary
province
a subject lies within someone's recognized competence
not when Province can imply exclusive authority and sounds old-fashioned.
Said against
4- weakness
- misfit
- aversion
- blind spot
It naturally appears in
3- natural metier
Improvised comedy was her natural metier from the first rehearsal.
- find a metier
Many craftspeople find a metier in restoring objects others considered beyond repair.
- outside one's metier
The historian said clearly when a technical claim fell outside her metier.
Usage notes
The word is also written with its French accent as métier; here, the unaccented English form is used.