Both Uses of
competent
in
1984 by Orwell
- Perhaps it was for corruption or incompetence.
p. 45..6incompetence = inability to do things sufficientlystandard prefix: The prefix "in-" in incompetence means not and reverses the meaning of competence. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure.
- Even the humblest Party member is expected to be competent, industrious, and even intelligent within narrow limits, but it is also necessary that he should be a credulous and ignorant fanatic whose prevailing moods are fear, hatred, adulation, and orgiastic triumph.
p. 192..4 *competent = sufficiently capable
Definition:
-
(competent) capable (able to do something in a generally satisfactory manner) -- sometimes specifically to have legal capability