prima

Prima is a term with multiple meanings across languages and contexts. In Italian, prima is the feminine form of primo and means first. It functions as an adjective (prima classe, prima donna) and as an adverb meaning previously or before, as in prima di fare qualcosa. The related masculine form primo and the feminine form prima appear in many phrases and titles.

In Latin, prima shares the same root meaning and underpins uses in Romance languages. The Latin phrase prima facie is used in English and other languages to mean “at first sight” or “on initial appearance,” indicating that something seems true based on initial evidence, subject to further investigation.

In music, prima denotes the first line or group in an ensemble, as in prima violins, contrasting with seconda. It appears in older scores and performance directions to indicate precedence of parts within a section.

The word also functions as a proper name or title in culture and commerce, used for films, brands, or creative works, often invoking a sense of primacy or origin.

Etymology: From Latin prima, feminine of primus, meaning “first,” adopted into Italian and other languages with senses related to order, precedence, or prior occurrence.