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prima facie

[prahy-muh fay-shee-ee, fay-shee, fay-shuh, pree-] / ˈpraɪ mə ˈfeɪ ʃiˌi, ˈfeɪ ʃi, ˈfeɪ ʃə, ˈpri- /
ADJECTIVE
plain or clear on initial investigation
Synonyms


ADVERB
at first view, before investigation
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

The Bench decided that there was no prima facie case against Collins, who was discharged on giving sureties to answer any charge that might be made against him at the Assizes. 

From Norfolk Annals A Chronological Record of Remarkable Events in the Nineteeth Century, Vol. 2 by Charles Mackie


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