IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
take at face value
idiom/teɪk ət ˌfeɪs ˈvæljuː/Band 8
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“take at face value” is a Band 8 idiom that means to accept something as it appears, without questioning it. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
To accept something as it appears, without questioning it.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “Don't take everything you read at face value.”
- “She took his promise at face value.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
accept as truetake literally
Antonyms
questionbe sceptical of
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
take at face valueaccept at face value
Common phrases
at face value
Related idioms
take at face value
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “take at face value” mean?
To accept something as it appears, without questioning it.
How do you use “take at face value” in a sentence?
For example: “Don't take everything you read at face value.”
What are some synonyms for “take at face value”?
Synonyms include accept as true, take literally.
Is “take at face value” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 8 vocabulary, and collocations such as take at face value, accept at face value help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
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