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

Strategy’s Stretch preferred stock is trading at $88, over 10% below its $100 face value, resulting in a 13% current yield.

From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026

This lack of detachment also has the author accepting at face value Mr. Trudeau’s claim to be an “investigative cartoonist,” which would have been worth debating more seriously.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

But let’s take the article at face value.

From Slate • Jun. 17, 2026

On face value, overturning Ream's yellow card to book Almiron for diving seemed a sound decision.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026

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

From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau