Vis-à-vis
preposition / adverb /ˌviː.z.ɑː ˈviː/ — In relation to; face to face; compared with
Definition
In relation to; in comparison with; face to face with. Vis-à-vis allows you to position two things in direct relation — comparing, contrasting, or aligning them.
Beyond the definition
Vis-à-vis is the precision word for comparison — it doesn't just say 'compared to' but implies a directness, a facing. Two things looking at each other, understanding themselves in relation.
Origin & history
French: 'face to face'. Originally a physical description — two people facing each other. Extended to mean 'in relation to' in diplomatic and business English.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The performance was strong vis-à-vis last quarter's results.
Where do we stand vis-à-vis the competition? Better than expected.
Vis-à-vis her colleagues, she was uniquely qualified for the role.
How to use it
Follow this entry’s examples for grammatical form and sentence placement.
Choose “Vis-à-vis” when the meaning fits your context: In relation to; in comparison with; face to face with. Vis-à-vis allows you to position two things in direct relation — comparing, contrasting, or aligning them.
Synonyms
in relation to, compared with, face to face with, regarding
Related words
Vis-à-vis vs regarding
Vis-à-vis is often used to mean 'compared with' or 'face to face' in a physical sense. Regarding is a more direct, professional synonym for 'about' or 'concerning'.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Two Adults Debating at Crossroads
Two adults stand at a crossroads, pointing in opposite directions while engaged in a deep, serious debate.
The positioning places the two individuals in direct relation to each other, comparing their opposing worldviews. Vis-à-vis allows for this comparison, aligning two perspectives face-to-face so their differences in philosophy can be clearly examined and contrasted.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Vis-à-vis" mean?
Vis-à-vis is preposition / adverb meaning: In relation to; face to face; compared with. In relation to; in comparison with; face to face with. Vis-à-vis allows you to position two things in direct relation — comparing, contrasting, or aligning them.
Where does the word "Vis-à-vis" come from?
French: 'face to face'. Originally a physical description — two people facing each other. Extended to mean 'in relation to' in diplomatic and business English.