prima facie

American  

[prahy-muh fey-shee-ee, fey-shee, fey-shuh, pree-] / ˈpraɪ mə ˈfeɪ ʃiˌi, ˈfeɪ ʃi, ˈfeɪ ʃə, ˈpri- /

adverb

1. at first appearance; at first view, before investigation; self-evident; obvious.

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adjective

1. plain or clear on initial investigation or at first view; self-evident; obvious.

   A rise in productivity correlates with rising employee well-being, making a prima facie case for improving workplace conditions.

prima facie British  

/ ˈpraɪmə ˈfeɪʃɪ /

1. at first sight; as it seems at first

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Etymology

Origin of prima facie

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin prīmā faciē (ablative singular of prīma faciēs); see origin at prime ( def. ), facies ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Every person born in the country,” wrote Bates in late November 1862, “is, at the moment of birth, prima facie a citizen…without any reference to race or color, or any other accidental circumstance.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 4, 2025

“Secrecy and exclusivity are prima facie evidence of gang activity in the tattooed groups,” said Inspector General Max Huntsman.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2025

Lawyers acting for Labour previously asked the High Court to grant permission to use the document, which it said contained "prima facie evidence of wrongdoing".

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2023

Violation of this rule is considered prima facie evidence of reckless driving.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 21, 2023

Now there is not only a prima facie right, but it is the duty of every Member who has been duly elected to take and subscribe the Oath, or to affirm according to the Statute.

From The True Story of my Parliamentary Struggle by Bradlaugh, Charles

Related Words

• self-evident