complexion

Or com·plec·tion

[kuhm-plek-shuhn]

noun

1. the natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially of the face.

   a clear, smooth, rosy complexion.

2. appearance; aspect; character.

   His confession put a different complexion on things.

3. viewpoint, attitude, or conviction.

   one's political complexion.

4. (in old physiology) constitution or nature of body and mind, regarded as the result of certain combined qualities.

5. Obsolete.,  nature; disposition; temperament.

complexion

/ kəmˈplɛkʃən /

noun

1. the colour and general appearance of a person's skin, esp of the face

2. aspect, character, or nature

   the general complexion of a nation's finances

3. obsolete

   1. the temperament of a person

   2. the temperature and general appearance of the body

Other Word Forms

• complexional adjective
• complexionally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of complexion¹

1300–50; Middle English < Medieval Latin complexiōn- (stem of complexiō ) constitution, temperament, Latin: combination, group, literally, the act of embracing. See complex, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of complexion¹

C14: from medical Latin complexiō one's bodily characteristics, from Latin: a combination, from complectī to embrace; see _complex

Example Sentences

His pale complexion and round face would have made him a dead ringer for the man in the moon, if the moon had wispy blond hair, bright blue eyes, and a puzzled expression.

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But Penelope took her promises seriously, even when they doomed her to a head of dark, drab locks that did nothing to flatter her complexion.

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His mother’s complexion turned white as the linen tablecloth.

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“Your complexion seems rather pale today. I hope you are not coming down with a cold.”

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His two drop-goals, deflating New Zealand's lead just before half-time, changed the complexion of the contest.

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Related Words

• character 
• nature