Physiognomy
/ˌfɪz.iˈɒn.ə.mi/noun
The supposed art or practice of judging a person's character from their facial features.
Did you know?Physiognomy comes from Greek roots meaning “nature” and “to judge,” and for centuries people believed a face could reveal the soul’s secret signature.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
phýsis + gnṓmōn
““nature” + “one who judges/knows,” used in the sense of reading character from outward signs”
Late Greek
Greek
physiognōmonia
“the art of judging character from appearance, especially the face”
Latin
Latin
physiognomia
“physiognomy, the study or interpretation of facial features”
14th Century
Middle English
fisiognomie
“the art of judging a person's character from the face”
Modern English
English
physiognomy
“the assessment of character or personality from facial appearance”