face value

American  

[feys val-yoo, feys val-yoo] / ˈfeɪs ˌvæl ju, ˈfeɪs ˈvæl ju /

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.

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face value British  

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

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face value Idioms  

1. see at face value.

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Etymology

Origin of face value

First recorded in 1875–80

Compare meaning

How does face-value compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• par value vs. face value

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

face value

Scotland has a new boom industry, at least if planning applications are taken at face value.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

Price: This is a bond’s price relative to its face value.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026

Investors won’t take the headline number at face value, as higher oil prices are the chief reason an outsize 0.4% increase in consumer prices is expected.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 9, 2026

Taking inventory drawdowns at face value, he figures it would mean about a 1 billion barrel drop in demand, a 6% reduction.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

Or is she content to take me at face value, a cardboard cutout queen?

From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau