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Showing results for swarthiness. Search instead for swarthness.

swarthiness

American  
[swawr-thee-nis, -thee-] / ˈswɔr ði nɪs, -θi- /

noun

  1. darkness of the skin or complexion.

    In numerous ancient Greek writings, the paleness and blondness of the northern people is contrasted with the swarthiness of the Egyptians and Ethiopians.


Etymology

Origin of swarthiness

swarthy ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On a recent episode, Bim and Nichole talk about one Jason’s “rough-and-ready charms” and the other’s raspy-voiced swarthiness.

From Slate • Nov. 12, 2019

When Roger opened his eyes and saw him, a darker shadow crept beneath the swarthiness of his skin; but Jack noticed nothing.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

He was a lean, active man, very richly dressed, and with a face that by its swarthiness of skin and the sable hue of beard and hair looked almost black.

From Bardelys the Magnificent; being an account of the strange wooing pursued by the Sieur Marcel de Saint-Pol, marquis of Bardelys... by Sabatini, Rafael

He had delicate features, redeemed from effeminacy by the swarthiness of his complexion, and his quick intensity of expression.

From North and South by Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn

His face was dark almost to swarthiness and his cheeks and chin were smoothly shaven.

From Golden Days for Boys and Girls, Vol. XIII, Nov. 28, 1891 by Elverson, James