Sallow: meaning, definitions and examples

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sallow

[ˈsæloʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

pale complexion

Having a sickly, yellowish complexion, often due to illness or poor health.

Synonyms

pale, unhealthy, yellowish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sallow	Typically used to describe a person's skin that has an unhealthy yellow or pale-brown color. Often implies the person may be ill or tired. Her face looked sallow after a week of sleepless nights His sallow complexion worried his friends
pale	Used to describe skin that is lighter than usual. This can be due to fear, illness, or lack of sunlight. Often softer in tone compared to 'sallow'. He turned pale when he heard the bad news She has a pale complexion because she rarely goes outdoors
yellowish	Used more broadly to describe something that has a tint or shade of yellow. Not necessarily negative unless referring to skin tone, which can imply illness. The pages of the old book had turned yellowish His yellowish skin concerned the doctor
unhealthy	Describes something or someone that looks sick or not well, not limited to skin color. This is a negative term indicating poor health. He had an unhealthy look after weeks of junk food The plant appeared unhealthy, with drooping leaves

Examples of usage

She looked sallow and unwell.
His sallow skin indicated a lack of sunlight exposure.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

color

Of a yellowish or sickly color.

Synonyms

pale, sickly, yellowish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sallow	Used to describe a person's complexion that appears unhealthy, often yellowish or brownish, and is related to illness or fatigue. It is typically used in a neutral or slightly negative context. Her face looked sallow after weeks of sleepless nights
yellowish	Indicates a yellow tint on the skin or another surface. It can be used neutrally but often implies a warning sign of ill health when describing skin. The doctor noted his skin had a yellowish hue, a possible sign of jaundice
pale	Describes a lack of color in the face, which can be due to various reasons like fear, illness, or stress. It is a more neutral term and can be used in a variety of situations. He turned pale when he heard the bad news
sickly	Refers to someone who often appears unhealthy or frail. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting frequent illness or poor health. The sickly child struggled to keep up with his peers during recess

Examples of usage

The sallow leaves of the tree indicated a lack of nutrients.
The walls were painted in a sallow shade.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sallow' comes from the Old English word 'salwe,' which means 'pale' or 'sickly.'
It has roots in Proto-Germanic, where it is linked to the idea of being weak or sick.
The term has been used in English since at least the 14th century, depicting various states of health.

Literature

In literature, 'sallow' is often used to portray characters who are ill or suffering emotional distress.
Famous works, such as Shakespeare's plays, have utilized 'sallow' to describe a character's deteriorating condition.
Poets sometimes use the term to evoke imagery of death or decay, enhancing the emotional tone.

Health

A sallow complexion can indicate underlying health issues such as anemia or liver problems.
Changes in skin color, including sallow tones, can signal dietary deficiencies, particularly in vitamins like B12.
Medical professionals often assess a person's complexion to detect dehydration or physical ailments.

Art and Visuals

Artists may choose sallow tones to depict themes of fragility and suffering in their works.
In painting, a sallow coloration can add depth and realism to portraits, highlighting a subject's vulnerability.
Sallow shades are often contrasted with brighter hues to emphasize emotional states in visual storytelling.

Psychology

The perception of a sallow appearance can affect social interactions, influencing how individuals are treated in social situations.
Psychologically, people may associate a sallow complexion with sadness or lack of vitality, impacting their mood.
Research has shown that color perceptions, including sallow tones, can influence emotional responses in different contexts.

Translations

Translations of the word "sallow" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amarelo-pálido

🇮🇳 पीला-सा

🇩🇪 blassgelb

🇮🇩 kuning pucat

🇺🇦 жовтуватий

🇵🇱 żółtawy

🇯🇵 浅黄色

🇫🇷 jaunâtre

🇪🇸 amarillento

🇹🇷 soluk sarı

🇰🇷 누르스름한

🇸🇦 مصفر

🇨🇿 žlutavý

🇸🇰 žltkastý

🇨🇳 浅黄

🇸🇮 rumenkast

🇮🇸 gulbleikur

🇰🇿 сарғыш

🇬🇪 მოყვითალო

🇦🇿 sarımtrak

🇲🇽 amarillento

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,676, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22673 tropic
22674 wot
22675 keg
22676 sallow
22677 amphibian
22678 apse
22679 cellophane
...