The Greek physician Hippocrates classified people into four types based on fluids or humors. Which one of the following is NOT a type proposed by him?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Endomorphic
Option (1) Sanguine — One of Hippocrates’ types (Incorrect). Hippocrates proposed a typology based on fluid or humour, with four types: sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic and choleric. The sanguine type is cheerful and lively.
Option (2) Phlegmatic — One of Hippocrates’ types (Incorrect). The phlegmatic type is calm and slow to react.
Option (3) Endomorphic — Not Hippocrates’ type (Correct). Endomorphic is one of Sheldon’s body types (endomorphic, mesomorphic, ectomorphic), which classify people by physique. The endomorph is fat, soft and round, and is described as relaxed and sociable. It has nothing to do with body fluids.
Option (4) Choleric — One of Hippocrates’ types (Incorrect). The choleric type is quick-tempered and irritable.
NCERT (2025-26): “Type Approaches … Efforts to categorise people into personality types have been made since ancient times. The Greek physician Hippocrates had proposed a typology of personality based on fluid or humour. He classified people into four types (i.e., sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic and choleric); each characterised by specific behavioural features.…” “…Within psychology, the personality types given by Sheldon are fairly well-known. Using body build and temperament as the main basis, Sheldon proposed the Endomorphic, Mesomorphic, and Ectomorphic typology. The endomorphs are fat, soft and round. By temperament they are relaxed and sociable.…” |