complexion
kuhm-PLEHK-shuhn
Complexion (noun) means the natural color and texture of a person's facial skin. Example: “Years of sun exposure had weathered her complexion.”
noun
1
The natural color and texture of a person's facial skin.
"Years of sun exposure had weathered her complexion."
2
The general character or nature of a situation.
"The new evidence completely changed the complexion of the case."
How to use complexion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually skin appearance, but can also mean the overall character of a situation.
Common pairings
clear complexion
change the complexion of
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Word forms
- Plural
- complexions
- Third person singular
- complexions
- Past tense
- complexioned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Years of sun exposure had weathered her _____.
Etymology
From Old French complexion, from Medieval Latin complexio, "constitution" — related to complector, "to entwine or encompass."
Synonyms
View more →
skin color
skin colour
Rhymes for complexion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for complexion →
Frequently asked questions
What does “complexion” mean?
The word “complexion” means the natural color and texture of a person's facial skin. In plain terms, usually skin appearance, but can also mean the overall character of a situation.
How do you pronounce “complexion”?
“Complexion” is pronounced kuhm-PLEHK-shuhn (/kəmˈplɛkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “complexion” in a sentence?
Here is “complexion” used in a sentence: “Years of sun exposure had weathered her complexion.”
What part of speech is “complexion”?
“Complexion” is a noun.
Where does the word “complexion” come from?
The word “complexion” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French complexion, from Medieval Latin complexio, "constitution" — related to complector, "to entwine or encompass.".
Is “complexion” a common word?
“Complexion” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “complexion” have?
“Complexion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the natural color and texture of a person's facial skin.
