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Wisdom vs Competence - What's the difference?

wisdom | competence | Related terms |

In uncountable terms the difference between wisdom and competence

is that wisdom is an element of personal character that enables one to distinguish the wise from the unwise while competence is the quality or state of being competent, i.e. able or suitable for a general role.

In countable terms the difference between wisdom and competence

is that wisdom is a piece of wise advice while competence is in law, the legal authority to deal with a matter.

As a proper noun Wisdom

is the Wisdom of Solomon, a book of the Old Testament and the Hebrew Tanakh.

wisdom

English

(wikipedia wisdom)

Noun

  • (uncountable) An element of personal character that enables one to distinguish the wise from the unwise.
  • (countable) A piece of wise advice.
  • The discretionary use of knowledge for the greatest good.
  • The ability to apply relevant knowledge in an insightful way, especially to different situations from that in which the knowledge was gained.
  • The ability to make a decision based on the combination of knowledge, experience, and intuitive understanding.
  • (theology) The ability to know and apply spiritual truths.
  • * 1652 , , The Fame and Confe??ion of the Fraternity of…the Ro?ie Cro?s , pages 1–2 of the preface
  • Wi?dom …is to a man an infinite Trea?ure, for ?he is the Breath of the Power of God, and a pure Influence that floweth from the Glory of the Almighty; ?he is the Brightne?s of Eternal Light, and an undefiled Mirror of the Maje?ty of God, and an Image of his Goodne?s; ?he teacheth us Soberne?s and Prudence, Righteou?ne?s and Strength; ?he under?tands the Subtilty of words, and Solution of dark ?entences; ?he foreknoweth Signs and Wonders, and what ?hall happen in time to come.

    Synonyms

    * sagacity * sapience

    Antonyms

    * foolishness * folly

    Derived terms

    * conventional wisdom * pearl of wisdom * wisdom tooth

    See also

    * morality English words suffixed with -dom ----

    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

    References

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