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

Derived Forms

• comˈplexional, adjective

Other Words From

• com·plexion·al adjective
• com·plexion·al·ly 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

“But I got people telling me my career isn’t as good as someone else’s because of the complexion of my skin? No, babe, I won’t let you project that onto me.”

From Los Angeles Times

The introduction of Noman and Sajid after Pakistan lost the first Test changed the complexion of the series and once more they shared all 10 wickets.

From BBC

As it happens, the use of “red” and “blue” to denote Republicans, Democrats and the states’ political complexions also became a fixture of our politics that year.

From Los Angeles Times

Safety Bryan Addison intercepted a pass to end one late Rutgers drive, and the Bruins stuffed the Scarlet Knights on a pair of two-point conversions that could have changed the complexion of the game.

From Los Angeles Times

Blue eyes, ruddy complexion and light brown hair, he reminded her of her grandmother.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• character
• nature