prima facie

1 of 2

adverb

pri·​ma fa·​cie ˌprī-mə-ˈfā-shə 

-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 solution

—R. J. Butler

2

: self-evident

3

: legally sufficient to establish a fact or a case unless disproved

prima facie evidence

Synonyms

Adjective

• apparent
• assumed
• evident
• ostensible
• ostensive
• presumed
• putative
• reputed
• seeming
• supposed

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

This episode is prima facie evidence of her stronger qualities. —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2024

After all, North Korea has a prima facie interest in weakening an alliance whose raison d'être is to deter it from attacking the South and, if necessary, defeat it in battle. —John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2018

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 | [e-mail], 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

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 2, 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

Legal Definition

prima facie

1 of 2 adverb

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

: 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

2 of 2 adjective

: sufficient to establish a fact or case unless disproved

prima facie proof

a prima facie showing

Etymology

Adverb

Latin