prima facie

1 of 2

adverb

pri·​ma fa·​cie ˌprī-mə-ˈfā-shə How to pronounce prima facie (audio)
-shē,
-sē,
 also  -shē-ˌē,
-sē-ˌē
: at first view : on the first appearance

prima facie

2 of 2

adjective

1
: true, valid, or sufficient at first impression : apparent
the theory … gives a prima facie solutionR. J. Butler
2
3
: legally sufficient to establish a fact or a case unless disproved
prima facie evidence

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
Adverb
People with prima facie recognition but not full refugee status remained in limbo for decades. Nanjala Nyabola, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2019 Yet prima facie, the agreement is much more like a corporate loan than a Project Loan. Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 13 Aug. 2023
Adjective
According to the Alabama Department of Labor, the law also states that the presence of any person under 18 years of age in any restricted business establishment or restricted occupation shall be prima facie evidence of employment. William Thornton | Wthornton@al.com, al, 25 July 2022 Misra acknowledged the prima facie merits of the medical board’s allegations in both cases but did not deny or admit liability, according to his stipulated settlements. Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2021 See all Example Sentences for prima facie 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prima facie.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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 1, face entry 1

Adjective

derivative of prima facie entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1500, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prima facie was circa 1500

Dictionary Entries Near prima facie

Cite this Entry

“Prima facie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prima%20facie. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Legal Definition

prima facie

1 of 2 adverb
pri·​ma fa·​cie ˈprī-mə-ˈfā-shə, -sē, -shē How to pronounce prima facie (audio)
: at first view : on first appearance absent other information or evidence
guidelines which would prima facie accredit new entrance examinations as nondiscriminatoryS. L. Lynch
compare ex facie

prima facie

2 of 2 adjective
: sufficient to establish a fact or case unless disproved
prima facie proof
a prima facie showing
Etymology

Adverb

Latin

More from Merriam-Webster on prima facie

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