prima-facie
Meaning: Based on the first impression; accepted as correct until proved otherwise. Primarily a legal term meaning 'at first sight.'
Prima facie is used most frequently in legal contexts to describe evidence or a case that appears sufficient on its face to establish a fact or raise a presumption unless rebutted. Outside law, it is used more broadly to mean 'on the face of it' or 'apparently.' It collocates with 'case,' 'evidence,' 'breach,' and 'grounds.'
Examples
- The prosecution argued that there was a prima facie case of fraud against the defendant. 检方主张有初步证据表明被告构成欺诈罪。La fiscalía argumentó que existían indicios suficientes de fraude contra el acusado.検察側は、被告に対する詐欺の一応の証拠があると主張しました。검찰 측은 피고인에 대한 사기의 일응(一應)의 증거가 있다고 주장했습니다.
- Prima facie, the data suggests a clear correlation between the two variables. 从初步分析来看,数据显示两个变量之间存在明显的相关性。Prima facie, los datos sugieren una clara correlación entre las dos variables.一見したところ、データは二つの変数間に明確な相関関係があることを示唆しています。일견하면 데이터는 두 변수 사이에 명확한 상관관계가 있음을 시사합니다.
- The tribunal found prima facie evidence of discrimination in the company's hiring practices. 仲裁庭认定存在该公司招聘行为中歧视的初步证据。El tribunal encontró pruebas prima facie de discriminación en las prácticas de contratación de la empresa.審判所は、その企業の採用慣行に差別の一応の証拠を認めました。심판원은 해당 기업의 채용 관행에서 차별의 일응의 증거를 인정했습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: legal, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
Directly from Latin prima facie, meaning 'at first face' or 'at first sight,' from prima (first, feminine) and facies (face, appearance). Used in English legal writing since the 15th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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