qua

preposition

ˈkwä 

also

ˈkwā 

: in the capacity or character of : as

discussing the story qua story

Did you know?

A preposition is a word—and almost always a very small, very common word—that shows direction (to in “a letter to you”), location (at in “at the door”), or time (by in “by noon”), or that introduces an object (of in “a basket of apples”) or a capacity or role (as in “works as an editor”). As such, prepositions tend not to attract as much attention as other parts of speech (unless there is some foofaraw about whether or not it’s okay to end a sentence with one). Qua, however, though very small is not very common—at least in everyday speech or writing. As one 20th-century usage writer commented, “Qua is sometimes thought affected or pretentious, but it does convey meaning economically.” Qua’s meaning is quite specific—it can substitute for the phrase “in the capacity or character of” or the preposition as in the right context, as in “they wanted to enjoy the wine qua wine, not as a status symbol.”

Word History

Etymology

Latin, which way, as, from ablative singular feminine of qui who — more at who

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

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Legal Definition

qua

preposition

ˈkwä, ˈkwā 

: in the capacity or character of

a legitimate interest of the stockholder qua stockholder

Etymology

Latin, which way, as, from ablative singular feminine of qui who