Competently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚡️

Add to dictionary

competently

[ˈkɒmpɪtəntli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in professional manner

In a competent or efficient manner; with the necessary ability or skill.

Synonyms

capably, effectively, efficiently, proficiently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
competently	Use when describing someone performing a task with skill and knowledge, typically in a satisfactory but not outstanding manner. She handled the project competently. The engineer fixed the problem competently.
efficiently	Used when highlighting the performance of tasks in a well-organized and timely manner, often with minimal waste of resources. The clerk processed the paperwork efficiently. She efficiently organized the event.
capably	Used to denote someone performing a task with the ability and skills needed, often implying confidence and reliability. He capably managed the team during the crisis. She capably presented her research findings.
effectively	Used when referring to someone or something achieving a desired result or producing a significant impact. The teacher managed the classroom effectively. The new software solved the problem effectively.
proficiently	Used to describe someone who performs tasks skillfully and to a high standard, often implying advanced or specialized knowledge. He writes code proficiently. She plays the piano proficiently.

Examples of usage

He managed the project competently.
She performed her duties competently.
The doctor competently diagnosed the illness.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Professional Context

In the workplace, being described as competent often leads to more responsibilities and opportunities.
Competence is frequently assessed through performance reviews and employee evaluations.
Many professions require continued education to maintain competence in a constantly changing field.

Psychology

Competence is linked to self-esteem; feeling capable encourages further exploration and learning.
The Dunning-Kruger effect shows that people with lower ability at a task may overestimate their competence.
Competence can inspire confidence and motivation in oneself and others, fostering better team dynamics.

Education

Competency-based education focuses on students demonstrating specific knowledge or skills rather than just completing courses.
Learning outcomes are often tied to the idea of competence – what students should know or be able to do by the end of a lesson.
Assessments typically measure how competently a student can apply their knowledge in practical situations.

Pop Culture

Competence can be a theme in movies, where characters grow from inexperienced to highly skilled, like in sports or music dramas.
Competence is often celebrated in superhero narratives, where characters need to harness their skills to save the day.
Reality TV shows frequently highlight competitors' competence through challenges that test their skills and knowledge.

Origin of 'competently'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'competens', meaning 'suitable, well-suited'.
In Middle French, it transformed to 'competent', maintaining similar meaning.
The modern English form 'competently' emphasizes the manner of action, formed by adding '-ly' to 'competent'.

The word 'competently' is derived from the adjective 'competent,' which comes from the Latin word 'competere,' meaning 'to strive together.' Over time, 'competent' evolved to mean having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. The adverb form 'competently' emerged to describe performing actions in a skilled and capable manner.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,686, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
22683 gnarled
22684 pandemic
22685 ministration
22686 competently
22687 hindrances
22688 dominantly
22689 odium
...