# qua

/ˈkwɑ/ (US) · /kwˈæ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Preposition

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/qua
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.