preposition

vis-à-vis

vee-zah-VEE

Vis-à-vis (preposition) means In relation to, or with regard to. Example: “What is our position vis-à-vis the new regulations?”

preposition

In relation to, or with regard to.

"What is our position vis-à-vis the new regulations?"

"The pound has weakened vis-à-vis the dollar."

formal Face to face with; directly opposite.

"He found himself seated vis-à-vis the ambassador."

noun

formal A person occupying the corresponding position to yours in another organisation.

"The minister met her vis-à-vis from Berlin."

How to Use Vis-à-vis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCompared with, or about.

When to use it

Formal and slightly showy; in plain writing, 'about' or 'compared with' usually reads better.

Memory tip

Keep the phrase whole — it never splits, and it is never followed by 'of'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

versus → à propos in lieu of

Common pairings

vis-à-vis the market position vis-à-vis stronger vis-à-vis

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What is our position _____ the new regulations?

Etymology

From French vis-à-vis, literally 'face to face', from vis 'face'.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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regarding concerning in relation to as against opposite facing counterpart opposite number

Related Words

like about same re opposition regarding opposite facing

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce vis-à-vis?

Say vee-zah-VEE. The final s of each 'vis' is silent, and the stress falls on the last syllable. The accent on the à does not change the sound in English.

What is the difference between vis-à-vis and versus?

Versus sets two things in direct opposition or competition, as in a match or a lawsuit. Vis-à-vis merely relates one thing to another for comparison or reference, without implying a contest. 'Sales versus last year' suggests a scoreline; 'our policy vis-à-vis Germany' does not.

Do you need the accent and the hyphens?

Both hyphens are standard in English. The grave accent on the à is usual but frequently dropped, and 'vis-a-vis' is widely accepted, especially in American publications.

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