How to pronounce competent
Say it like KOM-puh-tint. Competent 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 competent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOM
- puh
- tint
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Competent 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.
- tintKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of competent
- 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-tunt.
What does competent mean?
- properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient“a competent typist”
- adequate, but not outstanding or exceptional“a competent performance”
- legally qualified or sufficient“a competent court”“competent testimony”
Where does competent come from?
From Middle English competent, conpetent, from Old French competent (modern French compétent), from Latin competens, competentem, present participle of competō (“coincide, be equal to, be capable of”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying competent
How do you pronounce competent?
Say KOM-puh-tint. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑmpətɪnt/. In British English it is /ˈkɒmpɪtənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in competent?
Competent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOM). Broken into parts: KOM · puh · tint.
Is competent 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 /ˈkɒmpɪtənt/ (KOM-pih-tunt).