sine qua non
phrase | /sine qua non/
Foreign Words & PhrasesLatinHARD
an essential condition; something absolutely necessary
Literal meaning:
"without which not"
sine qua non
phrase | /sine qua non/
Foreign Words & PhrasesLatinHARDan essential condition; something absolutely necessary
Literal meaning:
"without which not"
Learning Progress
Examples
"Trust is the sine qua non of any partnership."
"Reliable data is the sine qua non for sound decisions."
Mnemonic Trick
Sine qua non = without which not → essential prerequisite
Source: Foreign Words & PhrasesAdded: 9/28/2025
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