PHYSIOGNOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Physiognomy refers to the practice of assessing a person's character, personality traits, and temperament based on their facial features, expressions, and overall appearance. It is a term derived from the Greek words "physis" meaning nature and "gnōmōn" meaning judge or interpreter.
In its traditional sense, physiognomy assumes that there is an intrinsic connection between a person's outward appearance and their inner qualities. Proponents of this belief argue that specific facial structures, such as the shape of the nose, eyes, mouth, or ears, can reveal information about a person's temperament, intelligence, and even their moral character.
Although physiognomy has been practiced for centuries by various cultures, it is important to note that its scientific validity is highly contested. Modern science considers it to be a pseudoscience lacking empirical evidence. Critics argue that the concept is based on subjective interpretation and prone to cultural bias and stereotypes.
Despite these criticisms, physiognomy has left a significant impact on various fields, such as art, literature, and even criminal justice. The idea of physiognomy has been employed in portrait art to capture the essence of a subject's personality, while some literary works have used it to provide insights into a character's nature. Additionally, in the past, physiognomy was sometimes used in criminal investigations to infer criminal tendencies based on physical appearance, a practice that has since been discredited.
In conclusion, physiognomy is an ancient practice of judging a person's character based on their facial features and appearance, although its scientific basis and reliability are widely disputed in contemporary times.
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1. The countenance, especially regarded as an indication of the character. 2. The estimation of one's character and mental qualities by a study of the face and general bodily carriage.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The particular cast or expression of the face; the art of determining the character and dispositions of a person by an examination of the features of the face; in bot., the general appearance of a plant without any reference to its botanical characters.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of PHYSIOGNOMY
The word "physiognomy" originates from the Greek terms "physis" meaning "nature", and "gnōmōn" meaning "judge" or "interpreter". When merged, they form "physiognōmia", which refers to the interpretation of a person's character or personality based on their facial features. This term further evolved into the Latin word "physiognōmia", before entering the English language as "physiognomy" in the late 14th century.
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