English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Vice versa
Meaning
The idiom "vice versa" refers to a mutual or reciprocal relationship between two or more things, where each thing is related to the other in an inverse manner. It means that whatever applies to one also applies to the other, and their positions or roles are interchanged. In other words, it means "in the same way" or "as the case may be".
Usage
- The teacher and students had a great relationship, and they were not afraid to ask each other questions if they didn't understand something. They were very open with each other, and they learned from each other every day.
- When it comes to business deals, both parties need to feel that they are getting something in return. If one party feels like they are giving more than the other, then the deal is likely to fall through.
- The two friends had a very close bond, and they were always there for each other. They shared their secrets and their fears, and they supported each other through thick and thin.
- In a courtroom, witnesses are expected to tell the truth as they know it, and they cannot lie under oath. If one witness lies, then the other witnesses may be called upon to testify as well.
- The two siblings were very different from each other, but they had a strong bond. They looked out for each other, and they would always have each other's backs.
Roots and History
The idiom "vice versa" is believed to have originated in the Latin phrase "Veni, vidi, vici", which means "I came, I saw, I conquered". This phrase was often used to describe a battle or a victory, where one side had conquered another. In English, the phrase evolved into "Veni, vici, vice versa", which means "I came, I conquered, in the same way". Over time, this phrase became an idiom that was used to refer to any situation where two things were related in a reciprocal manner.
Synonyms in English
- Mutual
- Reciprocal
- Inverse
- Corresponding
- Interchangeable
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish - "Mutuo" (mutual)
- French - "Reciprocité" (reciprocity)
- German - "Gegenseitige Wirkung" (inverse effect)
- Italian - "Corrispondente" (corresponding)
- Portuguese - "Intercambiável" (interchangeable)