ENGLISH
REFERENCE

qua

prep.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈkwɑ// UK //kwˈæ// qua

prep. used to show that someone or something is being treated in a specific way or for a specific reason. You use it when you want to highlight a particular role or quality.

prep. used to indicate a specific capacity, role, or quality in which a person or thing is being considered. Often used in philosophical or legal contexts to distinguish between different aspects of a subject.


COMPLEX

The legal team argued that the defendant should be considered not as a criminal, but qua a minor, which would significantly alter the sentencing guidelines applied to the case.

Etymology 1

From Latin quā (“in the capacity of”).

Etymology 2

Imitative.

© 2026 English Reference