CultureJuly 15, 2026
physiognomy
/ˌfɪziˈɒɡnəmi/
Definition
The practice of assessing a person's character or personality from their outer appearance, especially the face.
Etymology
The word originates from the Greek 'phusiognōmonia', combining 'phusis' (nature) and 'gnōmōn' (judge or interpreter). It entered Middle English through Old French, originally referring to the art of judging character from physical features.
In the news
In the article, the term is used in the context of a new book that explores the human face, grouping physiognomy with portraiture and surgery as ways of examining or altering human identity.
A very silly adaptation of “The Odyssey”
Read the full article ↗The Economist