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); 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

"We worked together to make sure we had a watertight prima facie case in order to lawfully arrest Aimee Betro in a foreign country without her becoming aware and potentially fleeing again," he explained.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 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

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

From Seattle Times • Sep. 21, 2023

The certificate of such acknowledgment under the hand and official seal of such consular officer or secretary of legation shall be prima facie evidence of the execution of the instrument.

From Copyright: Its History and Its Law by Bowker, Richard Rogers

Related Words

• self-evident