face value

American  

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

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

The announcement resembled Colossal’s rollout of the “dire wolf” pups: Publications that had received guided tours of its lab produced breathless articles taking Colossal’s claims at face value, generally lacking skeptical commentary by unaffiliated biologists.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

He’s kept the tickets from Sixers fans and sold them at face value to New Yorkers cheering for the Knicks.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

But on FIFA’s official platform, resale above face value isn’t permitted for Mexico matches.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

The most expensive ticket for the final in 2022 was around $1,600 at face value, while in 2026 it is about $11,000.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

The trucker was apparently taking me at face value.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides