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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Investors should be wary of taking any employment numbers at face value.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

For the Haiti match, it would cost £1,151 for two tickets, with a face value of £477.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

But thousands of commenters took what they saw at face value.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

Even though he couldn’t understand why people would judge others at face value, he knew it was a fact of life.

From "Ugly" by Robert Hoge