complexion
pronunciation
How to pronounce complexion in British English:
UK [kəmˈplekʃn]
How to pronounce complexion in American English:
US [kəmˈplekʃn]
-
- Noun:
- the coloring of a person's face
- a combination that results from coupling or interlinking
- a point of view or general attitude or inclination
- texture and appearance of the skin of the face
- (obsolete) a combination of elements (of dryness and warmth or of the four humors) that was once believed to determine a person's health and temperament
-
- Verb:
- give a certain color to
Word Origin
- complexion (n.)
- mid-14c., "bodily constitution," from Old French complexion, complession "combination of humors," hence "temperament, character, make-up," from Latin complexionem (nominative complexio) "combination" (in Late Latin, "physical constitution"), from complexus (see complex (adj.)). Meaning "appearance of the skin of the face" is first recorded mid-15c. In medieval physiology, the color of the face indicated temperament or health.
Synonym
Example
- 1. Drinking lots of water doesn 't improve the complexion photo : getty
- 2. As such , he illustrates the changing complexion of america 's rich .
- 3. Stress causes inflammation , which affects the skin 's immune system and leads to a dry , unhealthy-looking complexion .
- 4. In middle age , this shakespeare has a fresh-faced complexion , a closely trimmed auburn beard , a long straight nose and a full , almost bouffant hairstyle .
- 5. Julia roberts isamerica 's sweetheart , known as much for her sparkling smile as her charm and peaches-and-cream complexion .