competence

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The ability to do something well, with the necessary skill or knowledge.

   No one doubts her competence as a surgeon.

2. 2
   noun

   The legal power or authority to deal with a particular matter.

   The case falls outside the competence of this court.

3. 3
   noun

   In linguistics, a native speaker's underlying knowledge of their language, as opposed to its actual use.

   Chomsky drew a clear line between competence and everyday performance.

Borrowed from Middle French compétence, from Late Latin competentia. Doublet of competency.

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