face value

[ feys val-yoo feys val-yoo ]

noun

1. the value printed on the face of a stock, bond, or other financial instrument or document.
2. apparent value:

   Do not accept promises at face value.

face value

noun

1. the value written or stamped on the face of a commercial paper or coin
2. apparent worth or value, as opposed to real worth

Word History and Origins

Origin of face value¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Idioms and Phrases

see at face value .

Example Sentences

Is Bill Burr’s comedy meant to be taken at face value or is he doing a high-wire self-parody of the type of edgelord comedy that drew ire after a Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally?

From Los Angeles Times

Trump's warnings can be taken at face value.

From BBC

New South Wales Police said they had previously been selling online for 10 times their face value.

From BBC

It said that all invalidated tickets will be made available again through the official seller, Ticketmaster, at face value.

From BBC

Iran’s official media in the hours before and after Israel’s attacks carried defiant statements that, at face value, suggest the decision to respond had already been taken.

From BBC