What is the difference between capable and competent?
capable | competent |
Able and efficient; having the ability needed for a specific task; having the disposition to do something; permitting or being susceptible to something.
(obsolete) Of sufficient capacity or size for holding, containing, receiving or taking in. Construed with of'', ''for or an infinitive.
* 1775 Samuel Johnson, A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland'' (''Works 10.479):
Having sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.
(legal) Having jurisdiction or authority over a particular issue or question.
Adequate for the purpose
* 1662 , , Book II, A Collection of Several Philosophical Writings of Dr. Henry More, p. 67:
As adjectives the difference between capable and competent
is that capable is able and efficient; having the ability needed for a specific task; having the disposition to do something; permitting or being susceptible to something while competent is having sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.capable
English
Adjective
(en adjective)- She is capable and efficient.
- He does not need help; he is capable of eating on his own.
- As everyone knew, he was capable of violence when roused.
- That fact is not capable of proof.
- He has begun a road capable of a wheel-carriage.
Synonyms
* See alsoAntonyms
* incapableDerived terms
* capability nounReferences
*Anagrams
* ----competent
English
Adjective
(en adjective)- He is a competent skier and an expert snowboarder.
- For any disagreements arising from this contract, the competent court shall be the Springfield Circuit Court.
- judicial authority having competent jurisdiction
- "For if [birds] had been Viviparous , the burthen of their womb, if they had brought forth any competent number at a time, had been so big and heavy, that their wings would have failed them "