competent
/ˈkɒmpətənt/
Group 14Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully GRE
Example in Context
While perfectly competent in her technical skills, the manager lacked the interpersonal abilities needed to lead a diverse team.
Synonyms
capableablequalified
Etymology
Striving 'with' skill and ability.
- com- (Latin) — with
- petere (Latin) — to strive
Memory Aid
🏕️Sounds like “come pet tent”
When the tent collapsed, I confidently said, 'Don’t worry, I’m COMPETENT enough to fix this – come PET the tent!'
Visual Association
👌A person expertly fixing a car engine, surrounded by tools, looking calm and professional.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “competent” mean on the GRE?
competent (adjective) means “Having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully”. While perfectly competent in her technical skills, the manager lacked the interpersonal abilities needed to lead a diverse team.
How to remember “competent” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “competent” sounds like “come pet tent”. When the tent collapsed, I confidently said, 'Don’t worry, I’m COMPETENT enough to fix this – come PET the tent!'
What are synonyms for “competent”?
Common synonyms: capable, able, qualified.