- To accept something (like a statement, appearance, or offer) exactly as it appears or is presented, without questioning it, doubting it, or looking for a hidden meaning or ulterior motive.
Explanation
Origin
- Direct application of the concept face value (see 1288).
- To take something at its face value is to accept its apparent worth or meaning as the complete and true one.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Just go with it.
- Not overthink it.
Implying Naivety:
- Swallow it hook, line, and sinker. (Believe a deception completely)
- Be taken in.
- Fall for it.
Formal:
- Accept something uncritically.
- Grant prima facie acceptance.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most contexts, formal and informal.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Same as for face value. Ensure the metaphorical meaning (accepting the surface meaning without question) is clear, not related to a literal face.
Examples
- He seemed very sincere, so I decided to take his promise at face value.
- You shouldn't always take online reviews at face value; some might be fake.
- She's very literal-minded and tends to take everything at face value.
Dialogue
Jordan: The salesman offered me a 'lifetime guarantee' on this watch.
Kim: Hmm, I'd be careful about taking that at face value. Read the fine print – 'lifetime' often means the expected lifetime of the product, not *your* lifetime.
Jordan: Ah, good tip. Thanks.
Social Media Examples
- Advice tweet: Be critical of news sources. Don't just take headlines at face value. #CriticalThinking
- Blog post: Learning not to take criticism at face value. Separate constructive feedback from baseless negativity.
- Comment: Sometimes people are just straightforward. It's okay to take things at face value occasionally.
Response Patterns
- This phrase describes an action or tendency, so direct responses vary greatly with context.
- If someone advises *against* taking something at face value: Good point, Why do you say that?
- If someone states they *did* take it at face value: Okay, Were you right to? Oh dear. (if it implies naivety).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
When someone advises *against* taking something at face value:
- The listener usually probes for the reason (What makes you suspicious?).
When someone says they *are* taking something at face value:
- They proceed based on the superficial understanding, without further digging (which might be appropriate or naive depending on the situation).
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes an approach to interpreting information within a conversation.
Intonation
- Generally neutral. Emphasis can be on take and face. TAKE it at FACE value.
Generation Differences
- Standard phrase used across all adult generations.
Regional Variations
- Standard phrase in all major English-speaking regions.