competence (ˈkɒmpɪtəns
)
Definitions
noun
- the condition of being capable; ability
- a sufficient income to live on
- the state of being legally competent or qualified
- embryology the ability of embryonic tissues to react to external conditions in a way that influences subsequent development
- linguistics (in transformational grammar) the form of the human language faculty, independent of its psychological embodiment in actual human beings Compare performance (sense 7) , langue , parole (sense 5)
Quotations
"He has, indeed, done it very well; but it is a foolish thing well done"
Usage examples
It will assure... competence in the area you're most concerned with.
, A Plague of Angels (1993)There is also a natural reluctance to question their competence in an individual case.
British Medical Journal (2002)Hawaiian has denied that its current management lacks competence or engages in egregious conduct.
Globe and Mail (2003)He was also accused of failing to exercise "reasonable skill and competence " when carrying out the first post-mortem examination on David.
Belfast Telegraph (2004)Those of us who cope with life, more or less, have spent considerable time increasing our competence in our less real reality.
, BEYOND FEAR (2002)