来自希腊语physiognomia,相面，由人的身体特征判断本性和性格，来自physo-,身体，躯体，gnomon,判断，词源同know,gnomic.因人的身体特征主要在于相貌，引申词义容貌，相貌。

1. He was fascinated by her physiognomy — the prominent nose, brooding eyes and thick hair.

他被她的外表——高挺的鼻梁、深邃的双眸和浓密的秀发——迷住了。

2. In naturalistic novels such inessential things as a minor character's physiognomy and costume are depicted in minute detail.

在自然主义的小说里,有些不关本质的东西,像一个次要人物的面貌和衣服之类,都描写得很详细.

3. When turning suddenly, he caught my gaze fastened on his physiognomy.

他突然转过头来, 发现我盯着看他的面貌.

4. Mr. Sykes entered - a tall, stout man of about fifty, comely of feature , but feeble of physiognomy.

赛克斯先生进来了 ― ―这人又高又胖,约莫50岁, 眉目清秀, 一副优柔寡断的相貌.

5. His eyes were good, but otherwise there was nothing remarkable in his physiognomy.

他的眼睛长得好, 其它方面倒也别无特别突出的地方.