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

Taking those figures at face value — say, $2,250 a year — you could spend $123,750 by the time you hit 80, if you started counting at the age of 25.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 7, 2026

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

But let’s take the article at face value.

From Slate • Jun. 17, 2026

Or do we simply take everything we have heard at face value?

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

The advantage of realism at face value is that it seems easier to understand.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson