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 First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities & Income ETF also yields nearly 6% and offers access to the $1,000 face value preferred market geared mainly to institutions.

From Barron's

Luckily, the secondary market will be properly regulated in 2026, with the government announcing laws to stop touts reselling tickets for more than face value.

From BBC

The strong economic report can be taken at face value, but it could also mean the Federal Reserve is less likely to cut interest rates if the economy is hot.

From Barron's

The strong economic report can be taken at face value, but it could also mean the Federal Reserve is less likely to cut interest rates if the economy is hot.

From Barron's

Powell himself has also argued that the weakness in the labor market merely reflects a “cooling trend” — but he’s clearly not taking every economic report at face value these days.

From MarketWatch