competent

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkɒmpɪt(ə)nt/

adjective

  • having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully: a highly competent surgeon [with infinitive]: make sure the firm is competent to carry out the work
  • (of a person) efficient and capable: an infinitely competent mother of three
  • acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding: she spoke quite competent French
  • (of a court or other body) accepted as having legal authority to deal with a particular matter: the London Stock Exchange is the competent authority under the Financial Services Act
  • Biology & Medicine capable of performing the normal function effectively.

Derivatives

competently

adverb

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'suitable, adequate'): from Latin competent-, from the verb competere in its earlier sense 'be fit or proper' (see compete)

Spelling help

Spell competent with -ent at the end.