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Sallow - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Sallow describes a sickly, pale, or yellowish complexion, often suggesting poor health or fatigue. It is commonly used to describe someone’s skin tone when they appear unwell.

sallow

/ˈsæloʊ/ /ˈsæləʊ/

Definition:

Of a sickly, yellowish or pale complexion, often suggesting poor health.

Synonyms:

pallid, wan, pasty, ashen

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

rosy, ruddy

Common Collocations:

sallow complexion, sallow skin, sallow cheeks

Derivatives:

sallowness, sallowish

Usage Tips:

Use "sallow" to describe an unhealthy pale or yellowish skin tone, not just general paleness.

Common Phrases:

sallow-faced, turned sallow with illness

Etymology:

From Old English *salu* (dusky), related to Dutch *zaluw* and German *sal*.

Examples:

  • 1. Her face looked sallow after weeks of illness.
  • 2. The dim light made his skin appear sallow and tired.
  • 3. She had a naturally sallow complexion that darkened in the sun.
  • 4. His sallow cheeks hinted at long nights without sleep.

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