Competence
/ˈkɒmpɪtəns/
Definitions
The ability to do something successfully or efficiently.
/ˈkɒmpɪtəns/
He showed great competence in handling the crisis.
💡 Simply: Competence is like being a pro! It means you're really good at something and can do it well, like a chef who makes amazing cakes or a basketball player who makes awesome shots.
👶 For kids: Being really good at something!
More Examples
The company values competence and experience.
How It's Used
"Her competence in project management is highly valued."
"The students demonstrated varying levels of competence in the exam."
From Middle French compétence, from Latin competentia, from competere "to be suitable, fit, strive together", from com- "together" + petere "to strive, seek".
The word has consistently referred to ability and skill since its adoption into English.
Memory tip
Think of 'compete' - competence means having the skills to successfully compete.