prima facie

adverb

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pri·ma fa·cie | \ ˌprī-mə-ˈfā-shə

, -shē, -sē also -shē-ˌē, -sē-ˌē \

Definition of prima facie

(Entry 1 of 2)

: at first view : on the first appearance

prima facie

adjective

Definition of prima facie (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : true, valid, or sufficient at first impression : apparent the theory … gives a prima facie solution— R. J. Butler

2 : self-evident

3 : legally sufficient to establish a fact or a case unless disproved prima facie evidence

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Examples of prima facie in a Sentence

Adjective a prima facie case of tax fraud There is strong prima facie evidence that she committed perjury.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective It has also been understood as prima facie evidence of the futility of socialist politics. — Mark Lamster, Dallas News, "New revelations tell why a socialist commune failed in Dallas. (Hint: it wasn’t the socialism)," 15 Apr. 2020 Tension is in the air, and the body language, mannerisms and discussions at board meetings is prima facie evidence that the struggle is real. — Jeff Rumage, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Brown Deer sees surge of new candidates in village board primary election," 29 Jan. 2020 The way in which these SLAPP statutes operate is that if a defendant can show that a claim arises from First Amendment activity on matters of public concern, then a plaintiff must demonstrate a prima facie showing of merit in the claim. — Eriq Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, "Could the Bizarre Legal Fight Over HBO's Michael Jackson Doc Wind Up at the Supreme Court?," 30 Aug. 2019 This makes the tripling of U.S. exports to France in the last decade an achievement to be celebrated, rather than prima facie evidence of some anti-American conspiracy. — Geoffrey Smith, Fortune, "Trump Wants To 'Do Something' About EU Wine Tariffs. But U.S. Producers Have Bigger Problems—in China," 13 June 2019 The Indian government offers prima facie recognition for two refugee groups – Tibetans and Sri Lankan Tamils – because of historic religious and ethnic connections, and recently proposed to give Tibetans more welfare benefits. — Rina Chandran, The Christian Science Monitor, "After fleeing violence in Myanmar, Rohingya refugees struggle in India," 11 May 2018 The idea there is a prima facie national benefit in having senators from both parties agreeing to a dubious policy is almost childlike in its view of history. — Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, "'Bipartisan' Does Not Inherently Mean 'Good'," 7 Mar. 2018 Exports are good and imports are bad in Trumponomics, and a trade deficit is prima facie evidence that the other side has acted in bad faith. — Bloomberg.com, "Trump’s Hard-Line Take on Trade Plays Into China’s Hands," 8 Mar. 2018 Failure to conform, in any society, is treated in casual parlance as prima facie evidence of insanity. — Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, "When the Truth Is Crazy," 1 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prima facie.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for prima facie

Adverb

Middle English, borrowed from Latin prīmā faciē, from prīmā, ablative singular feminine of prīmus "first, foremost" + faciē, ablative singular of faciēs "appearance, sight" — more at prime entry 2, face entry 1

Adjective

derivative of prima facie entry 1

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“Prima facie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prima%20facie. Accessed 27 Feb. 2021.

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More Definitions for prima facie

prima facie

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of prima facie

law : based on what is known or seen when something is first considered or dealt with

See the full definition for prima facie in the English Language Learners Dictionary

prima facie

adverb

pri·ma fa·cie | \ ˈprī-mə-ˈfā-shə, -sē, -shē

Legal Definition of prima facie

(Entry 1 of 2)

: at first view : on first appearance absent other information or evidence guidelines which would prima facie accredit new entrance examinations as nondiscriminatory— S. L. Lynch — compare ex facie

prima facie

adjective

Legal Definition of prima facie (Entry 2 of 2)

: sufficient to establish a fact or case unless disproved prima facie proof a prima facie showing