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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

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 notes

In plain EnglishUsually skin appearance, but can also mean the overall character of a situation.

Common pairings
clear complexion change the complexion of

Word forms

complexioned past tense, complexions plural, complexions singular

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Test yourself on “complexion” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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Years of sun exposure had weathered her _____.

Etymology

From Old French complexion, from Medieval Latin complexio, "constitution" — related to complector, "to entwine or encompass."

Origin: Medieval Latin

skin color skin colour

Rhymes for complexion

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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.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial