complexion

Or com·plec·tion

[kuhm-plek-shuhn]

noun

1. the natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially of the face.

   a clear, smooth, rosy complexion.

2. appearance; aspect; character.

   His confession put a different complexion on things.

3. viewpoint, attitude, or conviction.

   one's political complexion.

4. (in old physiology) constitution or nature of body and mind, regarded as the result of certain combined qualities.

5. Obsolete.,  nature; disposition; temperament.

complexion

/ kəmˈplɛkʃən /

noun

1. the colour and general appearance of a person's skin, esp of the face

2. aspect, character, or nature

   the general complexion of a nation's finances

3. obsolete

   1. the temperament of a person

   2. the temperature and general appearance of the body

Other Word Forms

• complexional adjective
• complexionally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of complexion¹

1300–50; Middle English < Medieval Latin complexiōn- (stem of complexiō ) constitution, temperament, Latin: combination, group, literally, the act of embracing. See complex, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of complexion¹

C14: from medical Latin complexiō one's bodily characteristics, from Latin: a combination, from complectī to embrace; see _complex

Example Sentences

The BBC has in the past reported incidents of suicides by women who were taunted by their husbands over their "dark complexion".

From BBC

His dark complexion, rustic drawl and streetwise swagger became integral to his cinematic identity.

From BBC

And when the Scotts overhear Elizabeth yell at the family’s nanny for letting her grandchildren play outside without parasols, that reveals her disdain for dark complexions.

From Salon

His previous record on both statistics was his very first series – the 2013-14 Ashes when the hair was shorter, complexion more fresh-faced and right arm bare of the phoenix tattoo that now epitomises his career.

From BBC

Like the other women, Lopez wore a cap, several layers of clothing and a bandanna over her face to protect her from dust — and, she said, to keep her complexion nice.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• character 
• nature