Vis-à-vis

Pronunciation ,

• UK IPA: /viːz.ɑːˈviː/, /viːz.æˈviː/
• US IPA: /viz.ɑˈvi/, /viz.əˈvi/

Alternative forms

• vis-a-vis

Origin

.

Full definition of vis-à-vis

Preposition

1. In relation to; compared with;Canada's role vis-à-vis the United States' in Afghanistan
2. Opposite, across from, set so as to be facing.He was seated vis-à-vis the president.

Noun

1. (historical) A small horse-drawn carriage for two people sitting facing each other.
• 1761, Laurence Sterne, The Life & Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, vol. 3, Penguin 2003, p. 188:there is not a greater difference between a single-horse chair and madam Pompadour’s vis a vis, than betwixt a single amour, and an amour thus nobly doubled
2. A sofa with seats for two people, so arranged that the occupants are face to face while sitting on opposite sides.
3. One of two (or more) people facing or opposite each other.
• 1933, Vera Brittain, Testament of Youth, Penguin 2005, p. 456:But the wrath that I awaited did not descend. Instead, my young vis-à-vis merely looked melancholy.
4. A date or escort in a social event.
• 1888, Rudyard Kipling, ‘The Daughter of the Regiment’, Plain Tales from the Hills, Folio Society 2005, p. 136:That was what Miss McKenna said, and the Sergeant who was my vis-à-vis looked the same thing.
5. A person holding a corresponding position in another organisation; a counterpart.I talked with my vis-à-vis in the French embassy.

Adjective

1. face-to-face
2. in relation to
3. (numismatics, of a coin) having two portraits facing each other

Adverb

1. face to face (with another)
2. (archaic) In a position facing a specified or implied subject.