face value

Etymology

The term exists because a contrast between nominal value and market value is sometimes materially relevant for currencies.

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Noun

face value (countable and uncountable, plural face values)

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.

   • 2020 June 3, Sam Mullins OBE discusses with Stefanie Foster, “LTM: a new chapter begins at 40”, in Rail, page 52:

     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.

See also

• denomination
• grain of salt
• pinch of salt
• read between the lines