physiognomic
Adjective: - Relating to physiognomy: "physiognomic" describes something pertaining to the assessment of a person's character or personality from their outer appearance, especially the face. It is derived from the practice of physiognomy, which claims that facial features, expressions, and structure reveal inner qualities.
- (Referring to the belief that facial characteristics indicate character.)
- (An interpretation of the face to infer personality traits.)
- (Dismissing the validity of linking appearance to character.)
"physiognomic traits": specific facial features considered in physiognomy.
- The detective noted the suspect's physiognomic traits, such as a strong jaw and narrow eyes. (Facial characteristics used for analysis.)
"physiognomic resemblance": similarity in facial features that might suggest shared character or lineage.
- The twins had a striking physiognomic resemblance, yet their personalities were completely different. (Facial similarity.)
Physiognomy (noun): the study or practice of judging character from facial features.
- Physiognomy was popular in the 19th century but is now largely discredited. (The field of study.)
Physiognomical (adjective): an alternative spelling of "physiognomic" with the same meaning.
- The physiognomical theories of Lavater influenced early psychology. (Relating to physiognomy.)
- Facial: relating to the face.
- Morphopsychological: relating to the study of personality based on facial shape (a more modern term).
Read someone's face: to interpret a person's emotions or character from their facial expression (related to physiognomic ideas).
- She could read his face and knew he was lying. (Interpreting facial cues.)
Judge a book by its cover: to form an opinion based solely on appearance (a cautionary idiom often contrasted with physiognomic assumptions).
- Don't judge a book by its cover; physiognomic claims are often misleading. (Appearance does not reveal true nature.)