🎭 Take at Face Value, To
Definition
To accept something or someone at its apparent worth without questioning or scrutinizing further. This phrase historically stems from the monetary practice wherein the value stamped on coinage is taken as its worth.
Synonyms
- Believe at first glance
- Take for granted
- Accept on face value
- Swallow whole (with some skepticism!)
Antonyms
- Doubt
- Scrutinize
- Question
- Disbelieve
Origin
The cultural transfer of “face value” from the domain of money to more abstract situations occurred in the 19th century. As seen in the quote from J. L. Whitney’s “The Literary World,” 1883: “He must take advertisements of publishers at their face value and regard them as what they claim to be.”
Similar Expressions
- Judge a book by its cover: Often used with a negative context, warning against making decisions solely based on appearances.
- What you see is what you get: Suggesting there’s no hidden catch or deeper reality.
Literature, Books, and References
- Great Expectations by Charles Dickens: Characters and their forced or false appearances throughout.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: The ethical dilemma of understanding people’s true nature.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “I started thinking about the phrase ‘face value’ and decided I probably shouldn’t take Halloween masks to the bank.” – Unknown
Quizzes
Inspirational Farewell 🌟
Taking things at face value can sometimes lead you to unexpected truths, but often, it’s the hidden layers that reveal the magic. Be open to both—sometimes it’s worth trusting appearances, but never hesitate to dig deeper.
Happy reading!
— Lexi Quipster
