Word: Prima Facie
Part of Speech: Adjective and Adverb
Meaning: - Adjective: "Prima facie" means that something appears to be true or valid at first glance or on the surface, before looking deeper into the details. For example, if you see something that looks like a crime, you might say it is a "prima facie case" of that crime, meaning it seems like a crime at first sight.
Usage Instructions: - Use "prima facie" when you want to indicate that something seems true based on initial evidence or appearance but may require further investigation or proof. - It is often used in legal contexts but can also be used in everyday situations.
Example Sentence: - "The police found a prima facie case of fraud when they discovered the missing funds in the account."
Advanced Usage: In legal terminology, "prima facie" is frequently used to describe evidence that is sufficient to prove a particular point unless contradicted by further evidence. For instance, in court, a lawyer might say, "The plaintiff has established a prima facie case of negligence."
Word Variants: - "Facie" comes from Latin, meaning "face." The term is often used in legal discussions, but its usage can extend to any situation where an initial appearance is important.
Different Meanings:While "prima facie" primarily refers to initial appearances, it can also imply that further analysis or evidence may change the initial interpretation.
Synonyms: - Initially - At first glance - On the surface - Evidently (in some contexts)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that incorporate "prima facie" specifically, but you can use phrases like "on the face of it" or "at first glance" to convey a similar meaning.
Summary: "Prima facie" is a useful term for describing something that seems true or valid at first glance.