Complexioned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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complexioned

[kษ™mหˆplษ›kสƒษ™nd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

skin tone

The term 'complexioned' refers to the natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin on an individual's face. It is often used to describe variations in skin tone, such as fair, medium, or dark. Additionally, it can encompass characteristics like smoothness, blemishes, or overall health of the skin. Complexioned is typically used when discussing someone's appearance or advice regarding skincare. The word is not commonly used in informal settings but may appear in literature or professional discussions related to beauty and dermatology.

Synonyms

colored, hued, pigmented, skin-toned.

Examples of usage

  • She has a fair complexioned face.
  • His dark complexioned skin indicates his heritage.
  • They talked about the complexities of different complexioned individuals.
  • The cream is designed for complexioned skin types.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have distinct ideals of beauty related to skin tone, influencing cosmetics and skincare industries worldwide.
  • In many societies, the shade of a person's skin can affect social interactions, identities, and even economic opportunities.
  • Historical texts show that skin tone has been associated with class and status, often leading to both prejudice and pride.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that skin color can influence peopleโ€™s perceptions, affecting favoritism and biases subconsciously.
  • Beauty standards related to complexion can impact self-esteem, particularly among youths who feel pressured to conform.
  • The concept of colorism, or discrimination based on skin tone, has been studied extensively to understand its effects on mental health.

Science

  • Skin color variation is primarily due to the amount and type of melanin produced by specialized cells called melanocytes.
  • Environmental factors, such as sunlight exposure, can influence skin tone as evolutionary adaptations to UV radiation.
  • Different skin tones require varied levels of vitamin D synthesis, affecting health considerations in diverse populations.

Art and Fashion

  • Artists like Rembrandt and Titian are known for their masterful depictions of skin tones, using shades to convey mood and personality.
  • Fashion trends often shift to emphasize different complexions, showing that society's ideals of beauty evolve with time.
  • Makeup brands increasingly focus on inclusivity, creating products that cater to a broad range of complexions to celebrate diversity.

Origin of 'complexioned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'complexio', meaning 'completeness' or 'mixture', highlighting the variety in skin colors.
  • The prefix 'com-' suggests togetherness, and 'plexus' relates to interweaving, emphasizing how different elements combine in skin color.
  • Complexioned first appeared in English in the 14th century, referring not just to skin but also to a person's nature or temperament.

The word 'complexioned' originates from the Latin term 'complexio', which means 'a putting together or combination'. 'Complexio' is derived from 'complecti', meaning 'to embrace, to intertwine'. This roots with the idea of combining various elements, which evolved over time to refer specifically to the combination of pigments and conditions present in the skin. By the late Middle Ages, the term began to develop its current usage in the English language, focusing primarily on the visible traits of skin on the face and body. The understanding and cultural significance of complexioned skin also reflect historical attitudes towards beauty, race, and identity, resulting in varied usage and connotation throughout different societies and eras.