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sine

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sine qua non

A necessary, essential, or required element. The Latin phrases translates literally to "without which not." Some consider a good education to be the sine qua non of a successful career.

See also: non, qua, sine

a sine qua non

  (formal)

something that is necessary, especially if you are going to achieve a particular thing (often + of ) The company sees training as the sine qua non of success.

See also: non, qua, sine

sine qua non

An essential element or condition, as in A perfect cake is the since qua non of a birthday party. This phrase is Latin for "without which not" and has been used in English since about 1600. It appears more in writing than in speech.

See also: non, qua, sine

sine qua non

Essential part. As translated from the Latin, “Without which, there would be nothing,” the phrase is an erudite way to describe that which is indispensable or basic.

See also: non, qua, sine