ENGLISH
REFERENCE

complexion

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //kəmˈpɫɛkʃən// UK //kəmplˈɛkʃən// com·plex·ion Archaic

n. the natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin on a person's face. You might describe it as clear, dark, or pale.

n. the natural appearance of the skin on the face, specifically its color and texture. In a broader sense, it can refer to the general character or nature of a situation.


SIMPLE

She has a very clear and healthy complexion.

CONTEXTUAL

Spending too much time in the sun without protection can damage your complexion and cause early wrinkles.

COMPLEX

The sudden withdrawal of foreign investment changed the entire complexion of the national economy, forcing the government to reconsider its long-term fiscal strategy.

Origin

From Middle English complexion (“temperament”), from Old French complexion (French complexion), from Medieval Latin complexiō (“complexion, constitution”), from complector, past participle complexus (“to entwine, encompass”).

Usage

Usually countable when referring to a person's skin; uncountable when referring to the general character of a situation.

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