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.

---

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

---

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

See Examples For:

prima facie

To them, Hargitay was, prima facie, the least challenging choice amid polarizing comedians and a shrinking roster of late-night hosts.

From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026

However, European football's governing body said there was enough evidence to adequately support a "prima facie" case against him in relation to the use of discriminatory language.

From BBC ● Feb. 25, 2026

“The ignition of the Saddleridge Fire by SCE’s power and transmission lines and equipment is prima facie evidence of SCE’s negligence,” states the complaint, which was filed by acting U.S.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 10, 2025

“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

Consider the undenied system which must prima facie produce such results.

From The Crime of the Congo by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Related Words

• self-evident