The correct response is: The meanings of tête-à-tête in French and vis-à-vis in Latin were similar, but the English meaning of tête-à-tête has not changed much from the French, while vis-à-vis has taken on a different meaning in English.
Etymology and current meanings:
-
Tête-à-tête: This term comes from French, literally meaning "head to head." In both French and English today, it refers to a private conversation or meeting between two people, often in an intimate or confidential context. Its meaning in English remains closely aligned with the original French usage.
-
Vis-à-vis: This phrase comes from Latin, meaning "face to face" (vis meaning "face" and à-vis meaning "in relation to"). In modern English, "vis-à-vis" can refer to a counterpart or someone/something in relation to another, as well as to denote a face-to-face encounter. However, its usage has broadened in English, making it less specific compared to its original meaning in Latin.
In summary, while tête-à-tête has retained a consistent meaning in English similar to its French origin, vis-à-vis has evolved in its application and meaning in contemporary English.