Definition

1. Noun:
   • The apparent worth as opposed to the real worth: The value something appears to have based on its outward presentation, without considering deeper or hidden factors.
   • The nominal value printed on a coin, banknote, stamp, or security: The value officially assigned to a financial instrument by its issuer, which may differ from its market or intrinsic value.

Usage

• The term is most commonly used in financial contexts to describe the stated value of currency or securities. It is also used metaphorically to describe accepting something based on its superficial appearance without skepticism or deeper analysis.
• The typical preposition used is "at" (e.g., ).

Examples

• Financial Context:
  • The coin's face value is one dollar, but its silver content makes it worth more to collectors.
  • The bond was purchased at a discount to its face value.
• Metaphorical Context:
  • You can't take his promises at face value; he often exaggerates.
  • Her cheerful demeanor was accepted at face value, hiding her true feelings.

Advanced Usage

• "To take/accept something at face value": To accept something as it appears to be, without questioning its truth or looking for a hidden meaning.
  • The report's conclusions were taken at face value by the public, but experts were more skeptical.
• "At its face value": Used to describe the nominal or apparent worth of something.
  • The policy, judged at its face value, seemed fair and reasonable.

Variants and Related Words

• Nominal value (n): A synonym often used in finance for the stated value of a security, as opposed to its market value.
  • The shares have a nominal value of one cent each.
• Par value (n): In finance, the face value of a bond or stock.
  • The bond will be redeemed at its par value upon maturity.

Synonyms

• Apparent worth: The value something seems to have.
• Stated value: The value explicitly declared.
• Nominal value: The value in name, as officially assigned.

Idioms

• Take at face value: To believe that something is exactly as it seems, without suspicion.
  • I took his apology at face value, but later realized he wasn't sincere.

Noun

1. the apparent worth as opposed to the real worth
2. the value of a security that is set by the company issuing it; unrelated to market value