complexion
kuhm-PLEK-shuhn
/kəmˈplek.ʃən/
The natural appearance, color, and texture of the skin on a person's face.
Refers specifically to facial skin quality, health, tone, and surface overall rather than bodily skin.
The story behind the word. Originally in medieval medicine, 'complexion' described the balance of the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile) that determined a person's physical and temperament blend. Over centuries, because humor balance was believed to manifest visibly in facial color, the word narrowed specifically to mean the natural appearance of facial skin.
Word relationships
- skin tone: Skin tone focuses specifically on color pigment, whereas complexion includes texture, clarity, and overall condition.
Commonly confused with
- physique: Physique refers to the structure and muscular build of the body, whereas complexion refers exclusively to facial skin appearance.
Word family
- complexioned (adjective): Having a specified type of facial skin (e.g., dark-complexioned).
Collocations
- clear complexion
- fair complexion
- ruddy complexion
- sallow complexion
Idioms & expressions
- change the complexion of
Example sentences
- "Regular sleep and balanced hydration contributed to her clear and healthy complexion." Skincare outcome
- "Her complexion was pale and fine, with features that appeared chiselled out of marble." Literary description
Memory hook
Think of facial skin weaving together color, texture, and health into a complex whole. Complex mix of facial tone and texture.
When not to use
Do not use to describe general body skin or overall bodily build.
Fun facts
- In Middle English, asking about someone's complexion meant inquiring about their biological temperament and emotional personality, not just their face.
Related words
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