face value
/ˌfeɪs ˈvæljuː/
NOUN
1. The stated or nominal monetary value
The amount of money printed or officially stated on a banknote, bond, ticket, stamp, or other financial instrument, regardless of its actual market value.
1.1. Nominal and stated monetary value
The official monetary amount printed or specified on a financial instrument or item.
Synonyms
- nominal value
- par value
- stated value
- maturity value
- face amount
Examples
- The bond will be redeemed at its face value when it reaches maturity.
- The ticket was sold for more than its face value because demand was high.
- The banknote has a face value of one hundred dollars.
Related Words
- appraisal
- assessment
- valuation
- price
- market value
- list price
- unit price
- worth
NOUN
2. The apparent or literal meaning of something
The meaning, appearance, or truth of something as it is directly stated or presented, without looking for hidden implications or deeper interpretations.
2.1. Literal interpretation
The straightforward meaning of a statement or message, understood exactly as expressed rather than interpreted symbolically or indirectly.
Synonyms
- literal meaning
- apparent meaning
- surface meaning
- plain meaning
- stated meaning
Antonyms
- hidden meaning
- underlying meaning
- implied meaning
Examples
- You should not always take advertising claims at face value.
- Her explanation seemed convincing at face value, but further investigation revealed inconsistencies.
- The statement should be understood at face value rather than treated as a metaphor.
Related Words
- interpretation
- implication
- inference
- subtext
- appearance
- reality
2.2. Acceptance without questioning
The act of accepting a statement, claim, or appearance as true or genuine without examining its accuracy or questioning its validity.
Synonyms
- unquestioned acceptance
- literal acceptance
- uncritical acceptance
- taking for granted
Antonyms
- skepticism
- doubt
- questioning
- scrutiny
- critical examination
Examples
- Investors should not accept a company's financial projections at face value.
- He took the seller's promises at face value without checking the product's condition.
- The journalist refused to take the official explanation at face value.
Related Words
- credulity
- trust
- belief
- assumption
- verification
- investigation