noun
Common
quo
kwoh
Quo (noun) means the "that" half of the phrase "quid pro quo" — something given in return for something else. Example: “It felt like a straightforward quid pro quo: information for protection.”
noun
1
The "that" half of the phrase "quid pro quo" — something given in return for something else.
"It felt like a straightforward quid pro quo: information for protection."
"In a quid pro quo, each side gets something, so the quo has to feel fair."
"He wanted a quo for the favour he had done, not just a thank-you."
How to use quo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRarely used alone — almost always seen paired with "quid" in the phrase "quid pro quo," meaning a fair exchange.
Common pairings
quid pro quo
status quo
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Word forms
- Plural
- quos
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It felt like a straightforward quid pro _____: information for protection.
Rhymes for quo
See all rhymes for quo →Frequently asked questions
What does “quo” mean?
The word “quo” means the "that" half of the phrase "quid pro quo" — something given in return for something else. In plain terms, rarely used alone — almost always seen paired with "quid" in the phrase "quid pro quo," meaning a fair exchange.
How do you pronounce “quo”?
“Quo” is pronounced kwoh (/kwoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “quo” in a sentence?
Here is “quo” used in a sentence: “It felt like a straightforward quid pro quo: information for protection.”
What part of speech is “quo”?
“Quo” is a noun.
Is “quo” a common word?
“Quo” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What does "quo" mean in the phrase "quid pro quo"?
In "quid pro quo," "quo" represents the "that" half of the exchange — something given in return for something else. The phrase as a whole describes a mutual exchange where one thing is traded for another.
Is "quo" ever used on its own outside of "quid pro quo"?
"Quo" is essentially always used as part of the fixed phrase "quid pro quo" and is not commonly used as a standalone word in everyday English.
What is the difference between "quid" and "quo" in "quid pro quo"?
In the phrase, "quid" represents the thing given, and "quo" represents the thing received in return. Together they describe an exchange where each party gives something to get something else.
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