Definition

1. Preposition:

   • In relation to; regarding; compared with: Used to indicate a comparison, contrast, or relationship between two things or people.
   • Face-to-face with; opposite: Used to describe a position directly opposite someone or something.

2. Noun:

   • A person or thing that is the counterpart or equivalent of another: Someone or something that has the same function, characteristics, or position.
   • A small sofa for two people, especially one on which occupants sit face-to-face: A type of seating furniture.

Usage Examples

• Preposition:

  • We need to assess our country's economic performance vis-à-vis its major trading partners. (We need to assess our country's economic performance in relation to its major trading partners.)
  • She sat vis-à-vis her interviewer, feeling a little nervous. (She sat face-to-face with her interviewer, feeling a little nervous.)

• Noun:

  • The new smartphone is the company's vis-à-vis to its competitor's latest model. (The new smartphone is the company's counterpart to its competitor's latest model.)
  • The antique vis-à-vis was placed in the drawing room. (The antique sofa for two was placed in the drawing room.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to introduce a comparison: Often used in formal writing to set up a direct comparison or to discuss the relationship between two entities.
  • This essay will discuss the poet's early works vis-à-vis his later, more mature style.
• As an adverb (less common, formal): Meaning "face-to-face."
  • They were seated vis-à-vis for the negotiation.

Variants and Related Words

• Counterpart (n): A person or thing that corresponds to or has the same function as another.
  • The foreign minister met with her counterpart from the neighboring country.
• Regarding (prep): On the subject of; concerning.
• Opposite (adj, n, prep): Facing; on the other side.

Synonyms

• Preposition: Regarding, concerning, with respect to, compared to, in contrast to, opposite.
• Noun: Counterpart, equivalent, opposite number, analogue.

Related Phrases

• (Sit) face to face: To be positioned directly opposite someone.
  • The two leaders sat face to face at the summit.
• In comparison with: Used when analyzing similarities and differences.
  • In comparison with last year, profits have risen.

Related Idioms

• Apples to apples: A comparison between things that are genuinely comparable.
  • To make a fair assessment, we need an apples to apples comparison.
• On a par with: Equal in importance or quality to.
  • Her latest novel is on a par with her greatest works.

Adverb

1. face-to-face with; literally `face to face'
   • they sat vis-a-vis at the table
   • I found myself vis-a-vis a burly policeman

Noun

1. small sofa that seats two people
2. a person or thing having the same function or characteristics as another