Definition of: value

(val′y) noun
1. The desirability or worth of a thing; intrinsic worth; utility.
2. Often plural Something regarded as desirable, worthy, or right, as a belief, standard, or precept: the values of a democratic society.
3. The rate at which a commodity is potentially exchangeable for others; a fair return in service, goods, etc.; worth in money; market price; also the ratio of utility to price; a bargain.
4. Attributed or assumed valuation; esteem or regard.
5. Exact meaning; signification; import: the value of the words “will” and “shall.”
6. Music The relative length of a tone as signified by a note.
7. Math. The quantity, magnitude, or number an algebraic symbol or expression is supposed to denote.
8. Rank in a system of classification.
9. In the graphic arts, the relation of the elements of a picture, as light and shade, to one another, especially with reference to their distribution and interdependence, apart from the idea of hue.
10. Phonet. The special quality of the sound represented by a written character: the values of the letter e. See synonyms under PRICE, PROFIT.
—book value The value of property or stock as shown by the books of the company that owns it; the value of stock of a corporation based on the profit or loss shown by its books, and distinguished from the face, market, or artificially created value.
—face value
1. The value stated on the face of a bond, coin, note, etc.
2. Seeming or apparent value: a promise taken at its face value.
—par value The nominal value, or value printed on a security or stock: not necessarily the market value of the shares.
—v.t. ·ued, ·u·ing
1. To estimate the value or worth of; assess; appraise.
2. To regard highly; esteem; prize.
3. To place a relative estimate of value or desirability upon:to value honor more than life. See synonyms under APPRECIATE, CHERISH. [<OF valu, pp. of valoir be worth <L valere]
—val′ue·less adjective
—val′u·er noun