sine qua non
Say it: SIN-ay kwah NON /ˌsɪneɪ kwɑː ˈnəʊn/ · noun phrase
What “sine qua non” means
Something you absolutely need for something else to happen.
More precisely: An essential condition; something absolutely necessary.
Example: “Trust is the sine qua non of any good partnership.”
When to use it
Use it to name an essential requirement, especially in a serious argument or explanation. It sounds quite formal.
Similar words
prerequisite, essential, must
Where it comes from
Latin, 'without which not'.
Quick check
Without a working key, nobody can open this locked door. What is the key for getting inside?
a sine qua non or a useful extra?
Show the answer
a sine qua non
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