complexion
B2Formal to neutral, with the skin sense also common in everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The natural colour, texture, and appearance of a person's skin, especially on the face.
The general character, nature, or aspect of something; the overall quality or state of affairs.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. While the primary meaning relates to skin, the metaphorical use to describe the nature or aspect of a situation, problem, or era is common in higher-level discourse. In the skin sense, it refers to a combination of qualities (e.g., colour, clarity, texture) rather than just colour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning or usage. The metaphorical sense may be slightly more frequent in British journalistic/academic writing.
Connotations
In the skin sense, generally neutral, though it can sound slightly formal or old-fashioned compared to simply saying 'skin'.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have/possess a + ADJ + complexionthe complexion of + NOUN (abstract situation)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “change/alter the complexion of things”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The merger changes the entire complexion of the market.'
Academic
Used metaphorically in history, politics, social sciences: 'This theory gave a new complexion to the debate on inequality.'
Everyday
Primarily the skin sense: 'She has a lovely fair complexion.'
Technical
Rarely used; dermatology might use more precise terms like 'skin phenotype' or 'melanin content'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- This new evidence could complexion the investigation.
American English
- Her testimony complexioned the jury's perspective on the case.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She has a fair complexion and blond hair.
- His complexion is pale because he is ill.
- Protecting your complexion from the sun is very important.
- The new manager brought a fresh complexion to the team's strategy.
- The scandal changed the political complexion of the country overnight.
- She uses a special cream to improve her complexion.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMPLEX ION. Imagine a complicated ion that determines the condition of your skin and the general nature of things.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHARACTER IS SKIN (The nature of something is like the visible surface of a person).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'комплекция' (body build/somatotype).
- It is not 'комплекс' (complex).
- Closest translation is 'цвет лица' or 'оттенок кожи', but it's broader than just colour.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'completion' (which sounds similar) incorrectly. E.g., *'The complexion of the project was delayed.'
- Using it as a synonym for 'problem' or 'complex' (noun). E.g., *'We face a serious complexion.'
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'complexion' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it refers to the overall appearance of the skin, including colour, texture, clarity, and health.
Yes, metaphorically it is very common to describe the general character, nature, or aspect of a situation, event, or era.
It is neutral to formal. In everyday talk about skin, people might simply say 'skin' or 'skin tone'. The metaphorical use is more common in formal or journalistic contexts.
'Complexion' relates to appearance or nature (skin/character). 'Completion' is the act of finishing something. They are often confused due to similar pronunciation.