Competent Definition

kŏmpĭ-tənt
adjective
Well qualified; capable; fit.
A competent doctor.
Webster's New World
Sufficient; adequate.
A competent understanding of law.
Webster's New World
Permissible or properly belonging.
Webster's New World
Legally qualified, authorized, or fit.
Webster's New World

(law) Having jurisdiction or authority over a particular issue or question.

For any disagreements arising from this contract, the competent court shall be the Springfield Circuit Court.
Judicial authority having competent jurisdiction.
Wiktionary

Origin of Competent

  • Middle English adequate from Old French from Latin competēns competent- present participle of competere to be suitable compete

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Old French competent.

    From Wiktionary

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