Etymology Unadapted borrowing from French vis-à-vis.
1
In relation to; compared with.
Canada's role vis-à-vis the United States' in Afghanistan
Bet She'an, Bet Guvrin and Kefar Zemah were originally considered part of Eretz Yisrael vis-à-vis tithing, but Rabbi Judah the Prince excluded them from Eretz Yisrael when the Jewish population shrank.2000, David Golinkin, “Returning Territories for the Sake of Peace”, in Responsa in a Moment, volume 3, page 32:
1 more example
We have identified an miR-1246 target site in the noncoding region of F8 mRNA and were able to confirm the suppressory role of hsa-miR-1246 on F8 expression in a stable lymphoblastoid cell line expressing FVIII. These findings suggest several testable hypotheses vis-à-vis the role of nc-RNAs in the regulation of F8 expression.2015 July 16, “Small ncRNA Expression-Profiling of Blood from Hemophilia A Patients Identifies miR-1246 as a Potential Regulator of Factor 8 Gene”, in PLOS ONE, →DOI:
2
Opposite; across from; set so as to be facing.
He was seated vis-à-vis the president.
vis-à-vis
noun
Etymology Unadapted borrowing from French vis-à-vis.
1
Historical A small horse-drawn carriage for two people sitting facing each other.
there is not a greater difference between a single-horse chair and madam Pompadour’s vis a vis, than betwixt a single amour, and an amour thus nobly doubled1761, Laurence Sterne, The Life & Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, volume 3, Penguin, published 2003, page 188:
2
A sofa with seats for two people, so arranged that the occupants are face to face while sitting on opposite sides.
3
One of two (or more) people facing or opposite each other.
But the wrath that I awaited did not descend. Instead, my young vis-à-vis merely looked melancholy.1933, Vera Brittain, Testament of Youth, Penguin, published 2005, page 456:
4
A date or escort in a social event.
That was what Miss McKenna said, and the Sergeant who was my vis-à-vis looked the same thing.1888, Rudyard Kipling, “The Daughter of the Regiment”, in Plain Tales from the Hills, Folio Society, published 2005, page 136:
5
A person holding a corresponding position in another organisation.
I talked with my vis-à-vis in the French embassy.
vis-à-vis
adj
Etymology Unadapted borrowing from French vis-à-vis.
1
Face-to-face.
2
Hobbies, Lifestyle, NumismaticsOf a coin Having two portraits facing each other.
vis-à-vis
adv
Etymology Unadapted borrowing from French vis-à-vis.
1
Face to face (with another).
[…]turning the seat in front so we could sit vis-a-vis1883, William Wallace Cook, “Aquastor”, in Overland Monthly, page 14:
I never had the opportunity to meet you vis-a-vis, but your correspondence exuded your dedication, your defying spirit, your warmth, and your literary goals.1989 February 12, Ann Allen Shockley, “A Posthumous Letter To Joseph Beam”, in Gay Community News, volume 16, number 30, page 6:
2
Archaic In a position facing a specified or implied subject.