Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Based on the first impression; accepted as correct until proven otherwise: Used to describe evidence or a case that is sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption of fact unless rebutted. It refers to something that is true, valid, or adequate at first sight, prior to more detailed examination.

2. Adverb:

   • At first sight; on the first appearance: Used to describe how something is perceived initially, before further investigation or evidence is considered.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:

  • The plaintiff presented a prima facie case of negligence, so the trial will proceed.
  • There is prima facie evidence linking the suspect to the crime scene.

• Adverb:

  • Prima facie, the document appears to be genuine, but we need to authenticate it.
  • The agreement is, prima facie, in the best interest of both parties.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Term: In law, a prima facie case or evidence is legally sufficient to establish a fact or a case unless it is successfully contested or disproven by the opposing party.

  • The prosecution must establish a prima facie case before the defendant is called to answer.

• Philosophical Term: In epistemology, a prima facie duty is a conditional duty that is binding unless it conflicts with a more pressing duty.

  • The philosopher argued that telling the truth is a prima facie obligation.

Variants and Related Words

• Prima Facie Evidence (noun phrase): Evidence that is sufficient to prove a fact unless contradicted.
  • The signed contract served as prima facie evidence of their agreement.

Synonyms

• Apparent: Clearly visible or understood; seeming.
• Ostensible: Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.
• At first glance/blush: Upon initial consideration.

Antonyms

• Conclusive: Serving to prove a case; decisive.
• Definitive: Done or reached decisively and with authority.

Notes

• The term prima facie is a Latin phrase adopted directly into English, primarily used in formal, academic, and legal contexts. It is often written in italics () to indicate its foreign origin.

Adjective

1. as it seems at first sight
   • a prima facie case of murder

Adverb

1. at first sight