face value

noun

1

: the value indicated on the face (as of a postage stamp or a stock certificate)

2

: the apparent value or significance

if their remarks may be taken at face value

Examples of face value in a Sentence

We paid $100 for tickets that had a face value of $50.

Recent Examples on the Web

And judging by the reaction from ticket buyers — with all seven shows sold out in advance and ducats going for many times face value through re-sell outlets — the fans wouldn’t have it any other way. —Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 10 June 2024

Tickets to see the ongoing arena tour from Justin Timberlake have been available on both the primary and secondary markets, with prices on StubHub sometimes falling well below face value. —Joe Coscarelli, New York Times, 6 June 2024

Service fees can add as much as 32 percent to the face value of a ticket. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2024

Because of supply and demand, tickets resold on the secondary market can be much higher than face value. —Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

face value

noun

1

: the value indicated on the face of something (as a coin, bill, bond, or insurance policy)

2

: the apparent worth or significance

can't take what he says at face value

Legal Definition

face value

noun

: the value indicated on the face of something (as a stock certificate)