Complexions

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. The natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, particularly on the face
  2. a distinctive or unusual characteristic of someone's appearance or demeanor
  3. the overall aspect, tone, or quality of a situation or subject being examined

Etymology: The concept of "complexion" originally referred to the natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially the face. This usage can be traced back to the Latin word "complexio," which meant "a combination" or "a weaving together." The Latin term itself derived from "com-" meaning "together" and "plectere," meaning "to weave or braid." In essence, the term suggested a woven or blended pattern, which was metaphorically extended to describe the way various qualities or humors combined in the body to produce a particular skin tone or outward appearance. This idea of a blended mixture was central to medieval and early modern medicine, where the "complexion" was thought to be the visible sign of an individual's internal balance of the four humors: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. These humors were believed to influence not only health but temperament and personality as well. Thus, the word came to carry a broader sense beyond mere skin color to include the general constitution or nature of a person. The word entered English in the late Middle Ages, likely in the 14th or 15th century, carrying this medical and philosophical sense. Over time, the meaning shifted further toward describing simply the outward appearance of the skin, especially the face, often associated with beauty or health. The plural form, as in "complexions," naturally refers to different types or varieties of skin tones or appearances. Interestingly, the underlying idea of "complexion" as a woven or combined entity hints at a deeper linguistic relationship with words that involve binding or weaving. Though it has settled into everyday usage focusing on skin, the term’s roots reveal a rich tapestry of meaning connected to ancient medical theory and the metaphor of weaving as a symbol for complex mixtures.

Synonyms: skin tones, complexes, appearances, looks, visages