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
1
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."
2
formal Face to face with; directly opposite.
"He found himself seated vis-à-vis the ambassador."
noun
1
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 notesIn 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
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'.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
What is the meaning of vis-à-vis?
"vis-à-vis" (preposition) means in relation to, or with regard to.
