French word

compétent

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃petɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectivecompetent

Example

Mon patron est compétent.

My boss is competent.

Illustration for compétent (competent)

More examples

Ce médecin est compétent dans son domaine.

This doctor is competent in his field.

Core concept

A person equipped with the knowledge and qualifications needed for a role or task.

Common phrases

  • être compétent

    be competent

  • personnel compétent

    competent staff

  • compétent dans son domaine

    competent in his field

Similar words

capable: Having the ability to carry out a required task.
apte: Suited to a particular job or situation and able to do it well.
qualifié: Having the qualifications or training required for a job.
expérimenté: Having practical experience gained through time in a job.

Definition in French

Indique qu'une personne est apte et qualifiée pour accomplir une tâche ou assumer une fonction.

Word origin

French compétent comes from Latin competens, the present participle of competere, a verb that developed from 'come together' to mean 'be suitable or qualified'.

Usage tips

  • The usual pattern is compétent en + field, as in compétent en gestion; compétent pour + infinitive identifies the task.

Other meanings

  • qualifiedadjective

Opposites

  • incompétentincompetentadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word