vis-à-vis

1. preposition /viːz.ɑːˈviː,viːz.æˈviː,viz.ɑˈvi,viz.əˈvi/

a) In relation to; compared with;

Canadas role vis-à-vis the United States in Afghanistan

b) Opposite, across from, set so as to be facing.

He was seated vis-à-vis the president.

2. noun /viːz.ɑːˈviː,viːz.æˈviː,viz.ɑˈvi,viz.əˈvi/

a) 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 doubled

b) One of two (or more) people facing or opposite each other during a formal dance, at a dinner table etc.

That was what Miss McKenna said, and the Sergeant who was my vis-à-vis looked the same thing.

3. adjective /viːz.ɑːˈviː,viːz.æˈviː,viz.ɑˈvi,viz.əˈvi/

a) face-to-face

b) having two portraits facing each other

4. adverb /viːz.ɑːˈviː,viːz.æˈviː,viz.ɑˈvi,viz.əˈvi/

a) face to face (with another)

b) In a position facing a specified or implied subject.