English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Competence Pronunciation
Competence is pronounced KAHM-puh-tins, IPA /ˈkɑmpətɪns/.
KAHM-puh-tins
US /ˈkɑmpətɪns/ · UK /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/
Syllables: KAHM · puh · tins (3 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun: The ability to do a job or task to an acceptable standard.
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Competence in a Sentence
- Nobody doubted her competence.
- The tribunal questioned his competence to give evidence.
- Basic competence in spreadsheets is enough for the role.
Common Mispronunciations of Competence
Not kuhm-PE-tuhns
Competent and competence share a shape, and both lead at the front rather than in the middle.
Not KAHM-puh-tenz
The ce at the end is a plain s. Only the word's cousin competency puts a buzz anywhere near it, and even that one hisses.
Tip: Competence and competency are both standard and mean the same thing. The second is commoner in official writing about skills.
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