The literal translation of vis-à-vis is “face to face.” Vis-à-vis is hyphenated and written with an accented à, but is not italicized.
Depending on the context, vis-à-vis can indicate someone’s opposite or counterpart.
- The negotiators sat vis-à-vis (or opposite each other).
- Chad is my vis-à-vis (or counterpart) in the company’s western affiliate.
It also means in relation to or regarding, or in contrast to.
- What are Margot’s plans vis-à-vis (or regarding) the training program for new employees?
- Today’s economy is much stronger vis-à-vis (or in contrast to) that of the early 1990s.
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