SuaviloquyToday’s word

competent

Competent (; 94), a.

Etymology: [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.]

1. 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.

2. 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.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for competent; he lists it under adequate.

Where he writes about it:

Qualified refers to acquired abilities; competent to both natural and acquired; a qualified teacher may be no longer competent, by reason of ill health. — from adequate

Synonyms

adequateableadaptedcapablecommensurateequalfitfittedfittingqualifiedsatisfactorysufficientsuitable

Antonyms

disqualifiedinadequateincompetentinferiorinsufficientpoorunequalunfitunqualifiedunsatisfactoryunsuitableuselessvainworthless

etymologyWebster’s online