vis-a-vis

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vis-a-vis

They sat vis-a-vis at the small table.

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.
vis-a-vis

They sat vis-a-vis at the small table.

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

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