How to pronounce complexion
Say it like kum-PLEK-shun. Complexion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce complexion. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kum
- PLEK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Complexion pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- PLEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of complexion
American and British speakers say complexion in essentially the same way: /kəmˈplɛkʃən/ in the US and /kəmˈplɛkʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: kum-PLEK-shun.
What does complexion mean?
- The quality, color, or appearance of the skin on the face.“a rugged complexion”
- The outward appearance of something.
- Outlook, attitude, or point of view.
- To give a color to.
Where does complexion come from?
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”).
Words that rhyme with complexion
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of complexion.
Questions about saying complexion
How do you pronounce complexion?
Say kum-PLEK-shun. The American pronunciation is /kəmˈplɛkʃən/. In British English it is /kəmˈplɛkʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in complexion?
Complexion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLEK). Broken into parts: kum · PLEK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say complexion the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kəmˈplɛkʃən/ and the British form is /kəmˈplɛkʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.