prima facie

[ prahy-muh fey-shee-ee, fey-shee, fey-shuh, pree- ]

adverb

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

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

/ ˈpraɪmə ˈfeɪʃɪ /

(no translation)

1. at first sight; as it seems at first

Word History and Origins

Origin of prima facie¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prima facie¹

C15: from Latin, from prīmus first + faciēs face

Example Sentences

Prima facie, the verdict here is less favorable than in the previous case.

From Project Gutenberg

The better view developed was that interference is prima facie unlawful but may be justified.

From Project Gutenberg

This would seem prima facie to be an almost impossible and perfectly meaningless restriction on marriage.

From Project Gutenberg

A prima facie case was made out and an order sent for his extradition.

From Project Gutenberg

Aggression becomes the accredited form of action, and booty serves as prima facie evidence of successful aggression.

From Project Gutenberg