competent Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient
- a competent typist
adjective satellite adequate for the purpose
- a competent performance
adjective legally qualified or sufficient
- a competent court
- competent testimony

F. compétent, p. pr. of compéter to be in the competency of, LL. competere to strive after together, to agree with; hence, to be fit. See Compete.

Answering to all requirements; adeqouate; sufficient; suitable; capable; legally qualified; fit. "A competent knowledge of the world." Arrerbury. "Competent age." Grafton. "Competent statesmen." Palfrey. /"A competent witness." Bouvier.
Rightfully or properly belonging; incident; -- followed by to. Rare, except in legal usage.
That is the privillege of the infinite Author of things, . . . but is not competent to any finite being. Locke.
Syn. -- See Qualified.