take at face value
/teɪk æt feɪs ˈvæljuː/phrase★Intermediate
informal
To accept something as true or genuine without questioning or analyzing it further.
She tends to take everything her boss says at face value, even when it seems unreasonable.
He didn't take the politician's promises at face value and decided to research the facts.
💡
This phrase is often used to caution against naivety or to highlight skepticism.
Synonyms
Antonyms
💡Pro Tip
Avoiding Misinterpretation
Be cautious when taking information at face value, especially in professional or high-stakes situations. Always verify facts when possible.
📖Word Origin
The phrase originates from the idea of evaluating something based solely on its outward appearance, without deeper analysis.
📝Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a lack of skepticism or critical thinking.
Word Breakdown
take
to accept or believe
verbat face value
without deeper analysis or questioning
prepositional phraseEnglish Dictionary