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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.

People in Russia had an uncanny ability to deduce your ethnicity from the slightest hint of swarthiness, not to mention the shape of your nose.

From The New Yorker

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

From Literature

His white robes contrasted strangely with the swarthiness of his countenance.

From Project Gutenberg

At the same time, there might be many individuals in whom the constitutional tendency in the direction of swarthiness was too weak and incipient to be of use.

From Project Gutenberg

In singular contrast to a complexion dark almost to swarthiness, his eyes were large and of an intense steel-blue.

From Project Gutenberg