Competent Meaning
/ˈkɒmpətənt/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjHaving sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.
adjHaving jurisdiction or authority over a particular issue or question.
Sentence Examples
The university has turned out competent doctors.
The office is full of competent people.
He's very competent in his work.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
A ____ surgeon must be able to perform complex procedures with precision.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We need a highly ____ and reliable mechanic to properly fix the engine.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English competent, conpetent, from Old French competent (modern French compétent), from Latin competens, competentem, present participle of competō (“coincide, be equal to, be capable of”). Compare Dutch competent (“competent”), German kompetent (“competent”), Danish kompetent (“competent”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I believe in that myself because it has been explained by competent men as the convolutions of the grey matter."
— 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses:
"That as a competent keyless citizen he had proceeded energetically from the unknown to the known through the incertitude of the void."
— 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses:
"The purpose of sharing these accounts – particularly during Women’s History Month – is to show that women, like men, can grow from bumbling neophytes to competent leaders."
— 2019 March 17, Swanee Hunt, “My career: From bumbling neophyte to pioneering diplomat”, in CNN, archived from the original on 16 May 2024:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
A ____ surgeon must be able to perform complex procedures with precision.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We need a highly ____ and reliable mechanic to properly fix the engine.