Complexion: meaning, definitions and examples

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complexion

 

[kษ™mหˆplษ›k.สƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

skin appearance

Complexion refers to the natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially of the face. It can be influenced by various factors including genetics, environment, and health. A good complexion is often associated with cleanliness and health.

Synonyms

countenance, dermal quality, facial appearance, skin tone.

Examples of usage

  • Her complexion was smooth and luminous.
  • He has a fair complexion that burns easily in the sun.
  • The foundation helped even out her complexion.
Context #2 | Noun

general appearance

In a broader context, complexion can also describe the general character or quality of something. It may not just refer to skin but can hint at the overall state or condition of a particular subject.

Synonyms

aspect, character, nature, quality.

Examples of usage

  • The complexion of the team changed after the new players arrived.
  • The political complexion of the country shifted after the elections.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'complexio', which means 'composition' or 'form', referring to the makeup of one's skin.
  • In Old French, 'complexion' originally referred to the mix of qualities like warmth and moisture in the body that affected skin appearance.

Cultural Significance

  • Throughout history, different cultures have valued lighter or darker complexions, influencing beauty standards worldwide.
  • In ancient Egypt, complexion was vital to oneโ€™s social status, with cosmetics used to enhance and protect the skin from the sun.

Science

  • Skin color is determined by the amount of melanin, a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes.
  • Complexion can change due to various factors, including age, health, and even mood, as blood flow affects skin tone.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people often make quick judgments about a personโ€™s health or attractiveness based on their complexion.
  • Skin appearance can impact self-esteem; individuals may feel more confident with a complexion they perceive as healthy or attractive.

Literature

  • In many poems and stories, authors describe charactersโ€™ complexions to evoke emotions or set the scene, emphasizing beauty or other attributes.
  • Shakespeare often played with the idea of complexion to symbolize moral and social attributes in his characters, weaving physical appearance with personality.

Translations

Translations of the word "complexion" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น tecido

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคพเคฏเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Hautfarbe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ warna kulit

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะปั–ั€ ัˆะบั–ั€ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ cera

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่‚Œ่‰ฒ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท teint

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tez

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ten

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ”ผ๋ถ€์ƒ‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ูˆู† ุงู„ุจุดุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pleลฅ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pleลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่‚ค่‰ฒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ polt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hรบรฐlit

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะตั€ั– ั‚าฏัั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒœแƒ˜แƒก แƒคแƒ”แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dษ™ri rษ™ngi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ color de piel

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,264, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.