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

• presumed
• apparent
• possible
• supposed
• probable
• seeming
• evident
• obvious

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

In response, Judge William Ryan found that Erik and Lyle made a prima facie showing of their entitlement to habeas corpus relief, unless prosecutors can show why the brothers should not be. —Liam Quinn, People.com, 14 July 2025

However, Cook could make out a prima facie case on his invasion of privacy claim and so the UPEPA special motion was properly denied as to that claim. —Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

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

The disclosures already in the public arena make a prima facie case that the intelligence agency most responsible for meddling in U.S. politics was our own. —WSJ, 10 Jan. 2023

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

Rhymes for prima facie

• conjugacy
• lacy
• racy

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