Swarthy: meaning, definitions and examples

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swarthy

 

[ หˆswษ”rรฐi ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

skin tone

Swarthy describes a person who has a dark complexion or skin that is often olive or brown in color. It is commonly used to refer to individuals who have a Mediterranean or ethnic appearance with darker skin. The term may sometimes imply a rugged or handsome quality.

Synonyms

brunette, dark-skinned, olive-skinned.

Examples of usage

  • The swarthy sailor stood out on the beach.
  • His swarthy features were accentuated by the sunlight.
  • She preferred the swarthy complexion over a paler one.

Translations

Translations of the word "swarthy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น moreno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเคฒเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช dunkelhรคutig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ gelap

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะผะฐะณะปัะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ล›niady

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ป’ใ„

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท bronzรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ moreno

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท esmer

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฑฐ๋ฌด์Šค๋ฆ„ํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุณู…ุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tmavรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tmavรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ป้ป‘็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ temen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ svartur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒฃแƒฅแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qara

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ moreno

Etymology

The word 'swarthy' comes from Old English 'sweart' meaning black or dark, which is related to the German 'schwarz' and Dutch 'zwart', all of which signify the color black or dark in various contexts. The term has evolved over time, often being used to describe not just the color of someone's skin but also to convey a sense of allure or mystery associated with darker features. In the 14th century, it began appearing more frequently in literature as a descriptor for individuals of Mediterranean or Arabic descent, reflecting cultural perceptions of beauty that favored darker skin tones. This reflects a broader historical context where attributes such as skin tone became associated with particular geographical and ethnic identities. Thus, 'swarthy' has retained a somewhat romantic or exotic connotation through the ages.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,484, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.