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competence

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The definition of competence is your skill or ability in a specific field or subject, or being able to do something well or to being sane enough to stand trial in court.

(noun)

An example of competence is when a pianist has the ability to play the piano well.
An example of competence is when people are tested to determine whether they have sufficient skills to perform a specific job.
An example of competence is when a defendant is examined by a psychiatrist to determine if he understands how to assist in his own defense.

See competence in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

sufficient means for one's needs
condition or quality of being competent; ability; fitness; specif., legal capability, power, or jurisdiction

Origin: Fr compétence < L competentia, a meeting, agreement < competens, prp. of competere: see compete

Also competency

See competence in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The state or quality of being adequately or well qualified; ability. See Synonyms at ability.
b. A specific range of skill, knowledge, or ability.
Law The quality or condition of being legally qualified to perform an act.
Sufficient means for a comfortable existence.
Microbiology The ability of bacteria to be genetically transformable.
Medicine The ability to respond immunologically to bacteria, viruses, or other antigenic agents.
Linguistics The knowledge that enables one to produce and comprehend a language.