Competence Meaning
/ˈkɒm.pə.təns/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe quality or state of being competent, i.e. able or suitable for a general role.
nounThe quality or state of being able or suitable for a particular task; the quality or state of being competent for a particular task or skill.
Sentence Examples
Ted doesn't have the competence to teach English.
Linguistic competence is inborn, not acquired.
The manager praised her professional competence and dedication to the job.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her technical ____ was evident when she quickly fixed the broken server.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The manager highly praised his professional ____ and quick problem-solving skills.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Middle French compétence, from Late Latin competentia. Doublet of competency.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Teachers are now required to teach intercultural communicative competence."
— 2005, Lies Sercu, Ewa Bandura, Foreign Language Teachers and Intercultural Competence: An International Investigation:
"Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, / Lie in three words — health, peace, and competence."
— 1733, [Alexander Pope], An Essay on Man. […], (please specify |epistle=I to IV), London: […] J[ohn] Wilford, […], →OCLC:
"“money can only give happiness where there is nothing else to give it. Beyond a competence, it can afford no real satisfaction, as far as mere self is concerned.”"
— 1811, Jane Austen, chapter 17, in Sense and Sensibility:
"A few years ago there lived in a city on the Mississippi a happy family, consisting of a husband, wife, and two children. They were in comfortable circumstances—he able to earn a competence—kind, affable, affectionate, […]"
— 1861, E. J. Guerin, Mountain Charley, page 26:
"K C Wheare's definition of federalism requires that two governments be independent and co-ordinate within their own spheres, generally set out by the division of competences codified in a constitution, which is supreme."
— 2016, German Institute for International and Security Affairs, “Division of competences in the European Union”, in (Please provide the book title or journal name):
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her technical ____ was evident when she quickly fixed the broken server.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The manager highly praised his professional ____ and quick problem-solving skills.