noun

prosopagnosia

pross-oh-pag-NOH-zhuh

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Prosopagnosia (noun) means a condition in which someone finds it hard to recognise faces even though their eyesight otherwise works normally. Example: “Her prosopagnosia meant she couldn't pick her own sister out in a photograph.”

noun

neurology, psychology A condition in which someone finds it hard to recognise faces even though their eyesight otherwise works normally.

"Her prosopagnosia meant she couldn't pick her own sister out in a photograph."

"He copes with prosopagnosia by remembering people's voices and hairstyles instead of their faces."

"Prosopagnosia can make ordinary social moments, like greeting a colleague, genuinely stressful."

How to use prosopagnosia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishProsopagnosia is the inability to recognise faces, even though the person can see perfectly well otherwise.

When to use it

It is a clinical term found in neurology and psychology rather than everyday conversation.

Memory tip

The plain-English name 'face blindness' is easier to remember and means exactly the same thing.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

suffer from prosopagnosia diagnosed with prosopagnosia cases of prosopagnosia living with prosopagnosia

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ meant she couldn't pick her own sister out in a photograph.

Etymology

Prosopagnosia was borrowed from the German word Prosopagnosie. Taken apart, it combines 'prosop-', relating to the face, with 'agnosia', a failure to recognise something.

Origin: German

Synonyms

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face blindness

Rhymes for prosopagnosia

IA Odia aria India Syria Bahia Latvia acacia Zambia Russia LGBTQIA ectasia

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Frequently asked questions

What is prosopagnosia?

Prosopagnosia is a condition where a person struggles to recognise faces, even though their general eyesight is intact.

Is prosopagnosia the same as face blindness?

Yes, face blindness is simply the everyday name for prosopagnosia.

Does prosopagnosia affect vision generally?

No, it specifically affects the ability to recognise faces, not eyesight or vision as a whole.

What is the meaning of prosopagnosia?

"prosopagnosia" (noun) means a condition in which someone finds it hard to recognise faces even though their eyesight otherwise works normally.