THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
At face value
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
According to how something first appears or what it directly says, without looking for a hidden meaning.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I took her reply at face value and assumed the date was confirmed.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I took her reply ________ and assumed the date was confirmed.
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At face value — According to how something first appears or what it directly says, without looking for a hidden meaning.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “At face value” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
According to how something first appears or what it directly says, without looking for a hidden meaning.
Compare: I took her reply at face value and assumed the date was confirmed.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when discussing whether to accept a statement or impression as presented. It suits conversation, study and workplace discussion.
More examples in context
- Do not judge the offer at face value; check what is included.
- He accepted the explanation at face value rather than looking for another motive.
Usage note
Common verbs include take and accept. Taking something at face value does not prove it is true or false; it describes how you interpret it.
A short conversation
A: Did you think there was a hidden criticism in the message?
B: No, I took it at face value. It seemed to be a simple request.
A: We can ask if anything is unclear.
One more practice question
What does accepting a statement at face value mean?
A. Assuming it must mean the exact opposite of what it says.
B. Accepting its apparent or stated meaning without looking deeper.
Check your answer
B. The person accepts the statement as presented.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.