complexion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "complexion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's facial features, or the overall tone or color of their skin. For example: "She had an olive complexion, with a hint of rosy cheeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These days, the best Hollywood can offer these is indulgent critiques of capitalism such as The Wolf of Wall Street, or David-and-Goliath issue movies such as Silkwood (starring Meryl Streep), or North Country, in which Charlize Theron proved women can be coal miners and have a perfect complexion.

The Guardian - Film

Understated in jeans and jersey, Birch has a flawless complexion supervised by her mother, who has just discovered products made by Dr Hauschka.

The Guardian - Film

She is like one half of a pantomime horse, and I'm not saying that because she has that posh, horsey face and that posh, Prince-Williamy, bright pink, horsey complexion.

The Guardian

Walcott, too, must consider that he has made a strong claim to play against Ukraine after changing the complexion of the game when he was brought on immediately after Sweden had taken the lead.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: West Ham United 1-0 Burnley | Premier League match report The complexion of the game changed when Vlaar brought down Steven Naismith in the area just before the hour mark.

The Guardian - Sport

The Pollard-Anderson partnership completely changed the complexion of the innings, which looked to be unravelling horribly for Mumba.

The Guardian - Sport

We've nurtured this look for some time before exporting it – Benedict Cumberbatch may look like an otter, but he is notable as a heartthrob for his very un-bestiality, his refinement, his piano player's hands, his indoor complexion, his humming brain.

The Guardian - Film

The political complexion of the new Congress, though, will be determined by a few key races.

The Economist

The struggle over the answer will shape Israel's society, its relations with Jews elsewhere, and the size and complexion of the global Jewish community.For Orthodox Jews like Rabbi Tubul, the solution is simple and ancient: you are a Jew if your mother is Jewish, or if your conversion to Judaism accorded with the Halacha, Jewish religious law.

The Economist

If she is carrying a girl surprise, surprise she will develop ulcers on her thighs, bruises on her feet and a pallid complexion.

The Economist

It makes sense to give ISAF more of an Afghan complexion, with plans to appoint an Afghan general to help co-ordinate operations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's skin, use "complexion" to refer to the overall appearance and quality, considering both color and texture. For example, "Her clear complexion was the result of a healthy diet and regular skincare."

Common error

Avoid using "complexion" when you actually mean complexity or intricacy. "Complexion" primarily relates to appearance or character, not difficulty or detail. For example, don't say, "The project's complexion was overwhelming"; instead, use "complexity".

Linguistic Context

The noun "complexion" primarily functions to describe the appearance of the skin, especially the face. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show its use in describing skin tone and, metaphorically, the general character of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complexion" is a versatile noun most frequently found in news and media, used to describe skin appearance, especially facial features. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights examples where "complexion" also represents the overall character of a situation. While predominantly neutral to formal, context dictates appropriate use. Be mindful of the common mistake of confusing it with "complexity." Alternatives include "skin tone" and "political landscape", depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skin tone

Focuses specifically on the color of the skin.

skin color

Similar to "skin tone", but slightly more direct and less nuanced.

facial appearance

Broader, encompassing all aspects of how the face looks, not just skin.

outward appearance

Refers to the general visible aspect of something, not just the face.

physical appearance

Encompasses the entire body's look, broader than just the face.

character

Refers to the overall qualities of a person or thing, metaphorically.

nature

Similar to "character", indicating the fundamental qualities of something.

aspect

Focuses on a particular side or feature of something.

coloration

Relates specifically to the color or shades of something.

political landscape

Used metaphorically to describe the political situation or environment.

FAQs

How can I use "complexion" in a sentence?

You can use "complexion" to describe the color, texture, and overall appearance of someone's skin, especially on their face. For example: "She has a fair complexion" or "The political "landscape" is changing.".

What's the difference between "complexion" and "skin tone"?

"Complexion" refers to the overall appearance and quality of the skin, while "skin tone" specifically refers to the color of the skin. "Complexion" encompasses factors like texture, clarity, and healthiness, in addition to color.

What can I say instead of "complexion" when referring to a political situation?

When referring to a political situation, you can use terms like "political landscape", "political climate", or "political situation" instead of "complexion".

Is it appropriate to use "complexion" to describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts?

Yes, "complexion" can be used metaphorically to describe the general character or aspect of something abstract, like a situation or organization. For example: "The new regulations changed the "complexion" of the industry".