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prima facie

Latin Phrases
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Meaning “at first sight,” it denotes initial impression. It signals apparent evidence.

Detailed Definition
Prima facie introduces provisional judgement. In poetry it can frame deceptive appearances or immediate reactions. The phrase underscores the gap between surface perception and deeper truth, enriching themes of revelation.
Example
Example in poetry:
A courtroom poem could describe guilt established prima facie; A love lyric may warn that beauty prima facie deceives; A philosophical sonnet might question whether truth prima facie endures scrutiny; A narrative poem could depict suspicion formed prima facie at first glance.
Additional Notes
Prima facie signals initial appearance and invites reconsideration. In poetry, it can frame deceptive surfaces or provisional judgement. Students should note how it sets up tension between first impression and deeper truth.
Also Known As
At first sight On the face of it At first blush
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