sine qua non
noun /ˌsɪneɪ kwɑː ˈnəʊn/
/ˌsɪneɪ kwɑː ˈnəʊn/
[singular] (from Latin, formal)- sine qua non (of/for something) something that is essential before you can achieve something else
- TV coverage is the sine qua non of a sport if it is to thrive.
- Trust is a sine qua non for any counselling.
Word OriginLatin, literally ‘(cause) without which not’.