visa
pronunciation
How to pronounce visa in British English:
UK [ˈviːzə]
How to pronounce visa in American English:
US [ˈviːzə]
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- Noun:
- an endorsement made in a passport that allows the bearer to enter the country issuing it
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- Verb:
- provide (a passport) with a visa
- approve officially
Word Origin
- visa
- visa: [19] A visa is etymologically something ‘seen’. The word comes via French visa from Latin vīsa, literally ‘things seen’, a noun use of the neuter plural form of the past participle of vidēre ‘see’ (source of English vision, visit, etc). The notion underlying the word is that a visa is a note or other mark made on a passport to signify that it has been officially ‘seen’ or examined.=> visit, vision
- visa (n.)
- 1831, "official signature or endorsement on a passport," from French visa, from Modern Latin charta visa "verified paper," literally "paper that has been seen," from fem. past participle of Latin videre "to see" (see vision). Earlier visé (1810), from French past participle of viser "to examine, view." The credit card of this name was introduced 1976, replacing BankAmericard.
Example
- 1. What kind of visa did you enter china with ?
- 2. Neither passport nor visa was required for entry .
- 3. Some work as consultants or visa agents .
- 4. American officials initially refused her a work visa .
- 5. It takes far too long to process visa applications .