adjective

prima facie

PRY-muh FAY-shee

Prima facie (adjective) means Accepted as true or sufficient on first inspection, unless later evidence proves otherwise. Used especially of evidence or of a case strong enough to go to trial. Example: “The prosecution established a prima facie case of fraud.”

adjective

Accepted as true or sufficient on first inspection, unless later evidence proves otherwise. Used especially of evidence or of a case strong enough to go to trial.

"The prosecution established a prima facie case of fraud."

"There is prima facie evidence that the safety rules were ignored."

adverb

On the face of it; judging by what can be seen at first.

"Prima facie, the contract appears to have been breached."

How to use prima facie

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTrue enough at first glance, unless something later proves otherwise.

When to use it

Formal and mainly legal. Often italicised in legal writing but increasingly set in roman.

Memory tip

Commonly said PRY-muh FAY-shee or PREE-muh FAH-kee-ay; both are heard in courtrooms.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

prima facie vs res ipsa loquitur prima facie vs conclusive

Common pairings

prima facie case prima facie evidence establish a prima facie case prima facie duty

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The prosecution established a _____ case of fraud.

Etymology

Latin prima facie, literally "at first face", meaning at first appearance.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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apparent on the face of it presumptive at first sight ostensibly seemingly apparently

Related words

actually apparently obvious hidden visible apparent suspected perceived

Rhymes for prima facie

pie die lie tie sie vie hie i.e. brie movie eerie moxie

See all rhymes for prima facie →

Frequently asked questions

What is a prima facie case?

It is a case in which the evidence presented is enough, if left unchallenged, to prove the claim. Establishing one does not win the case; it shifts the burden to the other side to rebut it.

What is the difference between prima facie evidence and conclusive evidence?

Prima facie evidence is enough to support a finding unless it is contradicted. Conclusive evidence settles the point and cannot be rebutted at all.

What is the meaning of prima facie?

"prima facie" (adjective) means accepted as true or sufficient on first inspection, unless later evidence proves otherwise. Used especially of evidence or of a case strong enough to go to trial.

What is another word for prima facie?

Other words for "prima facie" include apparent, on the face of it, presumptive, at first sight, ostensibly, seemingly.

People also searched

actually apparently obvious hidden visible apparent suspected perceived