competent

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Having enough skill, knowledge, or ability to do something well.

   He is a competent skier and an expert snowboarder.

2. 2
   adj

   Good enough for the purpose, though not outstanding.

   She gave a competent performance, but nothing memorable.

3. 3
   adj

   Having the legal authority to deal with a particular matter.

   The dispute will be settled by a competent court.

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”).

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