Vis a Vis Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on September 10, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The phrase vis a vis might often turn up during an English conversation and you might have wondered what the term refers to. In this article, we are going to take a look at the meaning behind this saying as well as finding out some of the history behind it. We will also study some examples of how the term can be used within a conversation and within a single sentence.

Vis a Vis  Meaning and Origin

  • The term is used to indicate a comparison or a direct relationship between two things or people. It can also mean “in relation to” or “with regard to.”
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Vis a Vis Meaning

“Vis-à-vis” is a French term that literally means “face to face.” In English, it is used to indicate a comparison or a direct relationship between two things or people. It can also mean “in relation to” or “with regard to.” For example:

  • “The new policy is beneficial vis-à-vis the old one.” (meaning in comparison to the old one)
  • “He spoke to her vis-à-vis.” (meaning face to face)

So, “vis-à-vis” is often used when comparing or discussing a relationship between two entities.

Origin of this term

The term is composed of two French words: “vis,” which is an archaic form of the word “face,” and “à,” which means “to.” Together, “vis-à-vis” directly translates to “face to face.” It was originally used to describe a physical position or arrangement, such as two people or objects facing each other.

The term began to be used in English in the late 17th to early 18th century, retaining its original meaning of being in a face-to-face position. Over time, the usage expanded to include the figurative sense of “in relation to” or “compared with,” which is how it is most often used today.

Related Terms to Vis a Vis

  • En face de – Literally “in front of,” often used to describe a position directly opposite something or someone.
  • À propos de – Meaning “about” or “regarding,” often used to introduce a topic or subject of discussion.
  • Quant à – Translates to “as for” or “regarding,” used to indicate a specific reference to something or someone.
  • Au sujet de – Meaning “concerning” or “on the subject of,” used to talk about a particular topic.
  • Comparé à – “Compared to,” directly used for making comparisons.
  • Par rapport à – Similar to “in relation to” or “with respect to,” often used to express a relationship or comparison.

Other Ways to Say “Vis a Vis”

There are, as with any idiom, other ways in which you might express the meaning of the term vis a vis.

We will now see some examples of other phrases you might say instead.

  • In relation to
  • In reference to

These phrases can often be used interchangeably with “vis-à-vis” to convey a similar idea of comparison or relationship between two entities.

“Vis a Vis” Examples

Examples in Sentences

We are likely to see the term vis a vis within a sentence many times. We are now going to take a look at some examples of sentences in which the term might be used.

The first statement is one which is being made by a teacher.

  • So we can establish that the kingdom fell because of the King, vis a vis his dislike of the villagers.

This next example statement is being made in a news report.

  • The report has been released, vis a vis the announcement made by the prime minister.

Other examples:

  • Women’s salaries are low vis-a-vis what men earn for the same work.
  • I’ve got to speak to James Lewis vis-a-vis the arrangements for Thursday.
  • This year’s crop shows an improvement vis-a-vis last year’s.
  • His salary vis-a-vis the national average is extremely high.
  • The decline in the power of local authorities vis-a-vis the central government is worrying.

Conversation Examples

When listening to day to day conversation, you are likely to stumble upon the term vis a vis, but how might it function within these conversations? We will now take a look at some examples of this.

This first conversation is one which is taking place between two co-workers.

  • Person 1; “Did you read the letter?”
  • Person 2; “Which letter was it?”
  • Person 1; “The letter vis a vis the conference on Friday.”

This is another conversation example which is taking place between an estate agent and their client.

  • Person 1; ” I am sending you all the information on the house.”
  • Person 2; “Are you sending me the document vis a vis the tenant references?”
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