swarthiness

[ swawr-thee-nis, -thee- ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of swarthiness¹

swarthy ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

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

A few hours later, I lay next to him, noticing the swarthiness of his arms against my pale skin.

From New York Times

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