Meaning
To accept something as it seems without deeper analysis.
Primary Function
Evaluation – naive acceptance
Communicative Purpose
To indicate that something should not be taken literally or at its superficial worth.
Pattern
at face value
Core Structure
at face value
Função primária
Evaluation – naive acceptance
Propósito comunicativo
To indicate that something should not be taken literally or at its superficial worth.
Situações de gatilho
Warning against gullibility, analytical contexts.
Contextos
Professional, Academic, commentary.
Padrão
at face value
Estrutura central
at face value
Slots de substituição
none (used as adv)
Colocados típicos
- take
- accept
- shouldn’t be taken
Substituições comuns
- at first glance
- on the surface
- superficially
Erros comuns
Using ‘for face value’ (wrong preposition).
Similar / contraste
at first blush (old-fashioned), on the face of it, prima facie (Latin, legal)
Interferências
The phrase is often used in negative constructions such as ‘can’t be taken at face value.’
Família do chunk
- Appearance/scrutiny markers
Nuance
Implies that the true value or meaning requires more scrutiny.
Efeito pragmático
Encourages critical thinking.
Dica de memória
don't take at face value
Nota
This phrase is often used in contexts where initial appearances might be misleading. It emphasizes the need to verify facts or meanings beyond what is immediately apparent.
Upgrade path
at face value → at first sight → superficially → without deeper analysis
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