complexion
gb/kəmplˈɛkʃən/ us/kəmplˈɛkʃən/
B1
English
~ 4700
arcbőr, jelleg, arculat
NOUN
B1
1
arcbőr
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] has a/an [adjective] complexion
She has a clear complexion despite spending a lot of time outdoors.
Tiszta az arcbőre, annak ellenére, hogy sok időt tölt a szabadban.
His fair complexion makes him prone to sunburn.
Világos bőre miatt könnyen leég a napon.
The model's smooth complexion was admired by everyone at the event.
A healthy diet can improve your complexion over time.
Her pale complexion contrasted with her dark hair.
Learner examples
She has a fair complexion.
Világos az arcbőre.
His complexion is very clear.
Nagyon tiszta az arcbőre.
My friend has a pale complexion.
Her complexion looks smooth.
He has a dark complexion.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'complexion' with 'expression'. 'Complexion' is about skin appearance, not facial emotion.
Meaning
natural color of face
Collocations
clear complexion
|fair complexion
|smooth complexion
|ruddy complexion
|pale complexion
Synonyms
skin tone (Refers specifically to the color of the skin, often without implying texture.)
|
skin color (Focuses only on the hue of the skin, not overall appearance.)
Antonyms
blemished skin (Indicates facial skin with marks or spots, the opposite of a clear complexion.)
Themes
appearance
|health
|beauty
|body
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The natural color and look of the skin on a person's face.
The natural color, texture, and general appearance of a person's facial skin.
NOUN
B2
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
the [adjective] complexion of [something]
The political complexion of the country shifted after the election.
A választás után megváltozott az ország politikai arculata.
These changes altered the whole complexion of the industry.
Ezek a változások az egész iparág jellegét átalakították.
The economic complexion of the region is improving.
Her arrival changed the social complexion of the group.
The project took on a new complexion after funding was approved.
Learner examples
The political complexion of the city changed.
Megváltozott a város politikai arculata.
This news changes the whole complexion of the case.
Ez a hír megváltoztatja az ügy egész jellegét.
The economic complexion is better now.
The team has a different complexion this year.
The social complexion of the group is new.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this sense is formal and abstract, not about skin.
Meaning
overall nature of something
Collocations
political complexion
|social complexion
|economic complexion
|changing complexion
Synonyms
character (Very close in meaning; 'complexion' is more formal and less common.)
|
nature (A broad term for the basic qualities of something.)
Antonyms
uniformity (Lack of variation in character or nature.)
Themes
description
|analysis
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The general way something is, especially its character or style.
The general character, quality, or nature of something, especially in an abstract or figurative sense.
Grammar
Dictionary form
complexion
IPA
GB/kəmplˈɛkʃən/
US/kəmplˈɛkʃən/
Syllables & stress
com - plex - ion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (plex)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: complexion
- Plural: complexions
Word family
Forms
complexions
noun
Related words
complexioned
adjective
Expressions
change the complexion of
1/t͡ʃˈeɪnd͡ʒ ðə kəmplˈɛkʃən əv/
fixed phrase
alter overall nature or look
To make something look or seem different in an important way.
Examples
- The new evidence could change the complexion of the trial.
- Winning this game will change the complexion of the season.
political complexion
1/pəlˈɪtɪkəl kəmplˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
formal
political character or leaning
The general political opinions or style of a person, group, or place.
Examples
- The town has a conservative political complexion.
- The political complexion of the committee shifted after the election.