face value
nounEtymology The term exists because a contrast between nominal value and market value is sometimes materially relevant for currencies.
1
The amount or value listed on a bill, card, note, stamp, etc.; the stated value or amount.
2
Idiomatic No more or less than what is stated; a literal or direct meaning or interpretation.
- Please take this comment at face value and don't try to read anything into it.
- Few museums have such a coherent collection that covers so many different areas of interest as the London Transport Museum. At face value, it is a collection of urban transport in London. In reality, it is so much more.2020 June 3, Sam Mullins OBE discusses with Stefanie Foster, “LTM: a new chapter begins at 40”, in Rail, page 52:
- Synonyms
- par value
- Derived terms
- accept at face value, on the face of it, take at face value
- Related terms
- denomination, grain of salt, pinch of salt, read between the lines