competent
able to do something well enough, because you have the right skill and knowledge.
Having the necessary skill, knowledge, or ability to do something effectively and correctly.
good enough to be okay, but not special or very good.
Of acceptable or satisfactory quality, but not particularly impressive or excellent.
having the official or legal right and power to make a decision or take action.
Having the legal power, official authority, or recognized responsibility to deal with a particular matter.
in biology, describing cells that can take in new DNA from outside the cell.
In microbiology and genetics, describing cells that are in a physical and physiological state that allows them to take up external DNA from their environment.
- Base: competent
competent authority
1official body with legal power
an official group or person that has the legal power to decide or act in a particular area.
- You must report any change of address to the competent authority.
- The competent authority will review your application and inform you of the decision.
- Each country must name a competent authority to enforce the new regulations.
competent court
1court that has jurisdiction
a court that has the legal right to hear and decide a certain kind of case.
- The dispute shall be settled by the competent court in the defendant's country.
- Only a competent court can issue such an order.
- The lawyer argued that the local court was not the competent court for this matter.
competent to stand trial
1mentally able to face trial
having a clear enough mind to understand what happens in court and to help your lawyer, so that a trial can legally continue.
- Psychiatrists will evaluate whether the defendant is competent to stand trial.
- The judge ruled that she was not competent to stand trial at this time.
- If the accused is not competent to stand trial, the case may be delayed.
mentally competent
1able to make one’s own decisions
having a clear mind and enough understanding to make your own decisions and know what they mean.
- The doctor confirmed that the patient is mentally competent to sign the consent form.
- Only a mentally competent adult can make this kind of legal agreement.
- They questioned whether he was still mentally competent to manage his finances.