Pronunciation: [tˈʊk at fˈe͡ɪs vˈaljuː] (IPA) 
The phrase "took at face value" means to accept something as it appears to be, without questioning its truth or accuracy. The spelling of "took" is /tʊk/, with the "oo" sound as in "book." "Face" is spelled as /feɪs/, with the "a" sound as in "say." "Value" is spelled as /ˈvæljuː/, with the "a" sound as in "cat" and stress on the second syllable. Together, the phrase sounds like /tʊk æt feɪs ˈvæljuː/.
Took at face value is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of accepting or believing something exactly as it is presented, without questioning its authenticity or underlying meaning. When someone takes something at face value, they do not delve deeper into its context, intent, or potential hidden implications. It implies accepting information without skepticism or doubt, assuming that it is true and accurate.
This expression is often used when someone trusts a statement, claim, or action without questioning or verifying it independently. It can also involve accepting someone's appearance or demeanor as genuine, without considering the possibility of deception or insincerity. Taking things at face value can be a natural response in situations where time or resources for further investigation are limited, or when one implicitly assumes that others are being honest and genuine.
However, this expression also carries a cautionary message, reminding individuals that blindly accepting everything at face value can be risky. It highlights the importance of critical thinking and skepticism, as appearances can be deceptive, words can be misleading, and intentions may not always align with surface-level impressions. Taking things at face value can lead to misunderstanding, misinformation, or manipulation, as it disregards the responsibility to critically analyze and evaluate information.
