Adjective

(en adjective)

Having sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.

He is a competent skier and an expert snowboarder.

(legal) 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

Adequate for the purpose

* 1662 , , Book II, A Collection of Several Philosophical Writings of Dr. Henry More, p. 67:

"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 "

Adjective

(er)

Capable of producing great physical force.

Capable of withstanding great physical force.

fast moving water, wind, etc, which has a lot of power.

Determined; unyielding.

* , chapter=10

, title= The Mirror and the Lamp , passage=It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong , like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.}}

Highly stimulating to the senses.

Having an offensive or intense odor or flavor.

Having a high concentration of an essential or active ingredient.

(specifically) Having a high alcoholic content.

(grammar) Inflecting in a different manner than the one called weak, such as Germanic verbs which change vowels.

(military) Not easily subdued or taken.

(slang, US) Impressive, good.

Having a specified number of people or units.

(of a disease or symptom) (l) (very bad or intense)

* 2005 , Andrew Gaeddert, Healing Immune Disorders: Natural Defense-Building Solutions , North Atlantic Books, page 221:

Physicians may diagnosis influenza by a throat culture or blood test, which may be important if you have a particularly strong flu, if your doctor suspects pneumonia or a bacterial infection.

(mathematics, logic) Having a wide range of logical consequences; widely applicable. (Often contrasted with a statement which it implies.)