prima

In English, "prima" is usually not used by itself. It is most often seen in phrases borrowed from Latin or Italian. In prima donna, it points to the main female singer or performer. In prima facie, it helps express the idea of something that seems true at first sight. At its core, "prima" carries the sense of being first.

Originating from Latin and also used in Italian, "prima" literally means "first." In English, however, it usually appears as part of fixed expressions rather than as an everyday standalone word. In the arts, it appears in terms such as prima donna, the chief female singer in an opera, and prima ballerina, the top female dancer in a company. Over time, prima donna also developed a broader, informal sense for someone who behaves in a demanding or self-important way.

Beyond the stage, "prima" is widely known from the Latin phrase prima facie, meaning "at first sight" or "based on first appearance." A prima facie case is one that seems strong enough at first glance unless later evidence weakens it. So the central idea behind "prima" is still the same across its uses: something first, foremost, or seen at the beginning. The key point is that English speakers usually meet this word inside established phrases, not on its own.