Vis-à-vis means literally 'face to face'. Often now used in the sense of 'in relation to'.
Origin
The term is French and began to be used in English in the mid 18th century. The French spelling is vis-à-vis, i.e. with the grave accent, although that is often omitted when written in English. It is now frequently printed, no doubt to French shrugs and mutterings, as 'vis-a-vis' or even 'viz-a-viz'.
All these photos were taken in Gouda.
Click twice to enlarge.
Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.
With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 9 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with V.
28 comments:
Wow, I use that term all the time, probably from HS French.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
The English pronounciation is 'viz-a-vee'. Is it the same in French I wonder?
Whatever it is called, your photos are delightful as always, Wil, and a wonderful visit to your world! Hope you had a great weekend and that you have a beautiful week! Enjoy!
Sylvia
Beautiful photos of the town. Gouda is one of my favourite cheeses! Anyone who doesn't know French would probably pronounce it with a short i rather than a long i though. Have a week full of vitality...my word this week! :D
Leslie
abcw team
It must be a very cute town, I have never been there !
Gouda is so picturesque!
Very interesting history about the word. Thanks for sharing.
How interesting a journey. Thank you very much.
Please have a good Tuesday.
daily athens photo
Wil...Your pictures this week are wonderful. Love the 4-shot groupings. So attractive. The little footbridge is one of my favorite images in this post. It is so sweet. genie
Good take on 'V'. :) Great pictures.
Beautiful photos. I am very concerned about the misuse of such a lot of words and expressions. Foreign words like the simple 'Angst' used where fear is the correct English word. People trying to appear educated and turning verbs into nouns and vice versa until the language becomes such a hoch-potch that no-one will be able to express or understand what anyone means.
Written English hardly ever uses accents, even though we speak lots of them :-)
Your world is so charming. thank you for allowing us into it.
Thanks for a little French lesson too. I like learning the origins of words.
Languages are constantly evolving and I find it difficult to keep up with the changes sometimes. At least my understanding of "vis-à-vis" is the same as yours.
The town looks like a wonderful place to roam about.
Linda
ABC Wednesday Team
We have a practice called beso beso in Philippine culture which means cheeks to cheeks greetings. I think it comes from that idea, not sure hehehe.
Please come and see the Voyage of the Mermaid. Happy holidays!
Very pretty.
Please inspire me with your comment at my V entry thanks!
A very interesting double-purpose post, Wil.
What wonderful photos of the town of Gouda!
I hope you are well, my friend, and that the days leading up to Christmas find you happy.
K
Great word choice! I'd like to be vis-a-vis with Gouda! So to speak...
I seldom use this term, but I use vice versa, is that French too?
You staying in Holland for Christmas or are you flying to sunny Australia?
I heard this words when I was young. I like those photos!
ABC Wed
I think there's a 4 passenger carriage (antique) called a vi-a-vis in which two sit facing the other two.
I only everyone could sit face - face once in a while ...
Just a quick note to say I am alive and well. Just not getting around as swiftly as I use to. Wanted to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
fun, Wil
Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
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I love your Gouda photos, Wil. Thank you for the explanation of vis-a-vis which I sure didn't know.
Do you know Ahmet Ögüt? (born 1981 in Diyarbakir, Turkey) is a conceptual artist living and working in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
I saw his interactive carousel, Waiting for a Bus in Christchurch New Zealand, and they credit him to be a Dutch Artist. I was in Earthquake struck Christchurch when I saw the word Dutch. I told myself, I must show you the photo, but I soon forgot. Should post it on Tuesday just for you.
that building looks like it's leaning...on no, it's not, it's the picture. :)
yes, Hector is a great dog. everyone loves him. you will probably like this one Hector and the Hawk
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