What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Competence vs Acumen - What's the difference?

Competence | acumen |

As nouns the difference between Competence and acumen

is that Competence is skill while acumen is quickness of perception or discernment; penetration of mind; the faculty of nice discrimination.

Competence

English

Noun

  • (uncountable) The quality or state of being competent, i.e. able or suitable for a general role.
  • * 2005 , Lies Sercu and Ewa Bandura, Foreign Language Teachers and Intercultural Competence: An International Investigation :
    • Teachers are now required to teach intercultural communicative competence .
  • (countable) The quality or state of being able or suitable for a particular task; the quality or state of being competent for a particular task.
  • * 1961 , National Council for Elementary Science (U.S.), Science Education :
    • What professional competences do science teachers need?
  • A sustainable income.
  • * Alexander Pope
    • Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, / Lie in three words — health, peace, and competence .
  • * 1811 , Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility , chapter 17
    • “money can only give happiness where there is nothing else to give it. Beyond a competence , it can afford no real satisfaction, as far as mere self is concerned.”
  • (countable) In law, the legal authority to deal with a matter.
    • That question is out with the competence of this court and must be taken to a higher court.

    Synonyms

    * ability * competency * nous * savoir-faire * knack (colloq.) * aptitude * See also

    Antonyms

    * inability * ineptitude * incompetence

    Related terms

    * compete * competition * competentness

    References

    *

    acumen

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Quickness of perception or discernment; penetration of mind; the faculty of nice discrimination.
  • *
    • , title=(The Celebrity), chapter=2 , passage=Sunning himself on the board steps, I saw for the first time Mr. Farquhar Fenelon Cooke.
  • *
    • No, no, my dear Watson! With all respect for your natural acumen , I do not think that you are quite a match for the worthy doctor.
  • * 1991 ,
    • Hannibal Lecter: Why do you think he removes their skins, Agent Starling? Enthrall me with your acumen .

    Synonyms

    * sharpness, penetration, keenness, shrewdness, acuteness, acuity, wit, foxiness, intelligence, canniness