Vs.: meaning, definitions and examples

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vs.

[ˈvərsəs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal

Versus (vs.) is a term used in legal contexts to indicate a case or controversy between two parties. It is commonly used in court cases, debates, and sports competitions.

Synonyms

against, opposing, versus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vs.	Synonymous with 'versus', often used interchangeably, especially in casual formats. However, it's worth noting that 'vs.' is more common in shorthand or abbreviated contexts. The game tonight is Lakers vs. Bulls. It's a classic case of talent vs. hard work. The movie pits good vs. evil.
against	Used when describing opposition or resistance in a wide range of situations, including physical confrontation, competition, disagreement, or legal matters. He pushed against the door. They played against the champions. She argued against the new policy.
opposing	Used to describe conflict or competition between two sides or views, often in formal or serious contexts. The opposing teams were equally matched. Opposing views on the issue led to a heated debate. The army faced an opposing force.
versus	Similar to 'vs.', but used more formally, commonly in legal or academic contexts to denote opposition or comparison between two entities. The trial was Johnson versus the State. In the debate, it was science versus religion. The study examines urban versus rural living conditions.

Examples of usage

Smith vs. Jones
The debate will be Biden vs. Trump.
The final will be Real Madrid vs. Barcelona.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

'Vs.' is short for the Latin word 'versus,' which means 'against' or 'opposed to.'
The abbreviation became popular in the English language during the 19th century, especially in legal and sporting contexts.
Before using 'vs,' people often wrote the full Latin phrase in legal documents and academic debates.

Pop Culture

The abbreviation is commonly used in sports, like ‘Team A vs. Team B,’ indicating a direct competition.
In the entertainment industry, 'vs.' is used in popular media, such as 'Marvel vs. DC,' highlighting rival franchises.
'Vs.' format has inspired various game shows and video games where two characters or teams compete directly.

Linguistics

'Vs.' functions as a conjunction, indicating contrast or competition between two entities, typically nouns.
It can also appear in informal conversations to express preferences, like ‘Cats vs. Dogs.’
The usage of 'vs.' has grown in informal writing, such as social media discussions, emphasizing popularity over formality.

Education

In academic contexts, 'vs.' often highlights contrasting theories or ideas, aiding in critical thinking.
Debates and discussions in classes frequently use 'vs.' to spark dialogue, such as in ethics: 'Utilitarianism vs. Deontology.'
Legal studies also make heavy use of 'vs.' to illustrate cases, like 'Roe vs. Wade,' making the nature of the dispute clear.

Translations

Translations of the word "vs." in other languages:

🇵🇹 vs.

🇮🇳 के खिलाफ

विरुद्ध
बनाम

🇩🇪 vs.

gegen
im Vergleich zu

🇮🇩 vs.

melawan
banding

🇺🇦 проти

в порівнянні з
на користь

🇵🇱 vs.

przeciwko
w porównaniu do

🇯🇵 対

対して
比較して

🇫🇷 vs.

contre
par rapport à

🇪🇸 vs.

contra
en comparación con

🇹🇷 vs.

karşı
kıyasla

🇰🇷 대

대해
비교하여

🇸🇦 ضد

في مقابل
مقارنةً بـ

🇨🇿 vs.

proti
v porovnání s

🇸🇰 vs.

proti
v porovnaní s

🇨🇳 对

与
比较

🇸🇮 vs.

proti
v primerjavi z

🇮🇸 vs.

gegn
samanborið

🇰🇿 vs.

қарсы
салыстырғанда

🇬🇪 წინააღმდეგ

და
შედარებით

🇦🇿 vs.

əleyhinə
müqayisədə

🇲🇽 vs.

contra
en comparación con