How to pronounce competence
Say it like KOM-puh-tins. Competence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce competence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOM
- puh
- tins
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Competence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tinsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of competence
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KOM-pih-tuns.
What does competence mean?
- the quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually
Where does competence come from?
Borrowed from Middle French compétence, from Late Latin competentia.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying competence
How do you pronounce competence?
Say KOM-puh-tins. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑmpətɪns/. In British English it is /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in competence?
Competence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOM). Broken into parts: KOM · puh · tins.
Is competence pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/ (KOM-pih-tuns).