Competence
Competence noun - The physical or mental power to do something.
Usage example: questioned his competence to finish the task without help
Understanding and competence are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Understanding" instead a noun "Competence".
Understanding
Understanding noun - An arrangement about action to be taken.
Competence and understanding are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Competence" instead a noun "Understanding".
How words are described
| emotional | emotional competence | emotional understanding |
| high | high competence | high understanding |
| solid | solid competence | solid understanding |
| instant | instant competence | instant understanding |
| Other adjectives: true, reasonable, genuine, actual, great, little, decent, new, incredible, general, less, greater, growing, basic, higher, sudden, magical. | ||
Both words in one sentence
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Chesterton in Heretics noted that the key to understanding him is to remember that he romanticized discipline and competence.
Source: Creator / Rudyard Kipling - On a positive note, the sibling-parent is usually within the Competence Zone, and will be understanding if you have to Wake Up, Go to School, Save the World.
Source: Promotion to Parent
Cite this Source
Understanding and Competence. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/competence/understanding
Competence & Understanding. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/competence/understanding>.
Understanding or Competence. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/competence/understanding.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "competence" and "understanding" have occurred on timeline