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

Under Batson, the first step asks whether the defendant has made a prima facie showing of discrimination.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

“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

A pre-emption or homestead claim of record is of course prima facie evidence of a valid right; yet it may occur that such a claim has a fraudulent inception.

From Monopolies and the People by Cloud, D. C.

Related Words

• self-evident