competent

[ kom-pi-tuhnt ]
/ ˈkɒm pɪ tənt /

adjective

having suitable or sufficient skill, knowledge, experience, etc., for some purpose; properly qualified: He is perfectly competent to manage the bank branch.
adequate but not exceptional.
Law. (of a witness, a party to a contract, etc.) having legal competence, as by meeting certain minimum requirements of age, soundness of mind, or the like.
Geology. (of a bed or stratum) able to undergo folding without flowage or change in thickness.

Origin of competent

1350–1400; Middle English (< Anglo-French) < Latin competent- (stem of competēns, present participle of competere to meet, agree). See compete, -ent

synonym study for competent

1. See able.

OTHER WORDS FROM competent

Example sentences from the Web for competently

British Dictionary definitions for competently

competent
/ (ˈkɒmpɪtənt) /

adjective

having sufficient skill, knowledge, etc; capable
suitable or sufficient for the purpose a competent answer
law (of a witness) having legal capacity; qualified to testify, etc
(postpositive foll by to) belonging as a right; appropriate

Derived forms of competent

competently, adverb competentness, noun

Word Origin for competent

C14: from Latin competēns, from competere to be competent; see compete

Medical definitions for competently

competent
[ kŏmpĭ-tənt ]

adj.

Properly or sufficiently qualified; capable.
Capable of performing an allotted or required function.
Legally qualified or fit to perform an act.
Able to distinguish right from wrong and to manage one's affairs.