Prima Facie
adjective / adverb /ˌpraɪ.mə ˈfeɪ.ʃi/ — At first appearance; accepted as correct unless disproved
Definition
Based on the first impression or initial evidence — appearing correct, sufficient, or true on its face until disproved by further investigation. A prima facie case is one sufficient to proceed without further corroboration.
Beyond the definition
Prima facie is the word for the productive assumption — the first reading that is good enough to act on, pending contradiction. It gives permission to proceed while acknowledging that first impressions may not be final.
Origin & history
Latin: 'at first face'. From primus (first) + facies (face, appearance). The legal standard for evidence sufficient to create a presumption of fact, standing until contradicted.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The evidence prima facie supports the claim — we proceed pending further investigation.
Prima facie, the contract appears valid. But due diligence may reveal otherwise.
Prima facie is the permission to begin — not the end of scrutiny.
How to use it
Follow this entry’s examples for grammatical form and sentence placement.
Choose “Prima Facie” when the meaning fits your context: Based on the first impression or initial evidence — appearing correct, sufficient, or true on its face until disproved by further investigation. A prima facie case is one sufficient to proceed without further corroboration.
Synonyms
on the face of it, at first glance, apparently, provisionally
Antonyms
after thorough investigation, on closer examination
Related words
Prima Facie vs obvious
Prima facie is a formal term used to denote evidence that is sufficient until proven otherwise. Obvious is a general term meaning something is easily perceived or understood.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Initial Review of Evidence
An experienced team leader examines a map and a simple geometric model with colleagues.
The team leader’s act of reviewing initial models before a final decision represents a prima facie examination. It signifies assessing the evidence as it appears on its surface to determine if a case is sufficient to proceed before conducting deeper investigation.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Prima Facie" mean?
Prima Facie is adjective / adverb meaning: At first appearance; accepted as correct unless disproved. Based on the first impression or initial evidence — appearing correct, sufficient, or true on its face until disproved by further investigation. A prima facie case is one sufficient to proceed without further corroboration.
Where does the word "Prima Facie" come from?
Latin: 'at first face'. From primus (first) + facies (face, appearance). The legal standard for evidence sufficient to create a presumption of fact, standing until contradicted.