Complexion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
complexion
[kษmหplษk.สษn ]
Definitions
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.
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Throughout history, different cultures have valued lighter or darker complexions, influencing beauty standards worldwide.
- In ancient Egypt, complexion was vital to oneโs 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 personโs 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.
Origin of 'complexion'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'complexion' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French term 'complexion', which itself comes from the Latin 'complexionem', meaning 'combination'. This Latin term is a combination of 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'plectere' meaning 'to weave'. Originally, the term referred to the combining of various elements to form a whole, which in this case became related to the various elements contributing to the human skin's appearance. Over the centuries, the meaning evolved to focus more specifically on the skin's color and quality, particularly as it pertains to beauty and health. By the late 14th century, it was commonly used in English to refer to the skin tone and face attributes, a usage that continues today.