sine-qua-non

What is the meaning of "sine-qua-non"?

The "i" in "sine" is pronounced like the "i" in "pit", "bit", and "sit", while the following "e" is like the "ay" in "day", "bay", and "say". The "a" in "qua" sounds like the "a" in "bath", "path", and "ask". The final word is pronounced like the word "known". The main stress is on "non". This is one of the ways of pronouncing the word.

Sine-qua-non means something that is absolutely essential. It is mostly used in formal contexts.

Here are a few examples.

*In my opinion patience is a sine-qua-non for a teacher.

*Sachi says that a sense of humour is a sine-qua-non for a job in her company




COURTESY : The Hindu (The National News-Paper) - India

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