vis-a-vis, opposite, even, equal, versus, anti-, compare
対 centers on two things facing each other in a paired relationship: being opposite, versus, or compared. The ideas of evenness and equality grow naturally from that face-to-face balance.
absolutely; definitely; unconditionally
correspondence (to); equivalence
towards; against; regarding; in contrast with
target; object (of worship, study, etc.); subject (of taxation, etc.); coverage
regarding; in; to; towards; with regards to
measure; step; countermeasure; counterplan; countermove; strategy; preparation (e.g. for a test)
opposition; resistance; antagonism; hostility; objection; dissent
versus; against; vs.; v.
pair; couple; set
dealing with; coping with
fighting (against); taking on (an opponent); facing; confronting; competing (with); battle; fight; contest; match
confrontation; opposition; antagonism
opposition; rivalry; competition; antagonism
confrontation; showdown
dialogue; conversation; talk; discussion; communication
involving only the parties concerned; tete-a-tete
relativity
talk; dialogue; conversation
hostility; antagonism; opposition
meeting face-to-face; seeing in person
to face (each other); to be facing
first meeting; first interview with
contrast; antithesis; comparison
equality (esp. of status); equal footing; equal terms
対 is the modern simplified form of 對. The older form combines components suggesting a pair or facing arrangement, but the exact historical development is uncertain.
The left side 文 (writing) and right side 寸 (measurement) face each other like two sides of a debate: writing versus measurement, opposite but compared.
For タイ, imagine two opponents tied in a face-off: tie -> タイ, and they stand opposite each other, evenly matched.