Sallow

Adjective

Definition: Of a sickly, pale-yellowish complexion or color; having a yellow or greenish-yellow hue.

Synonyms: Wan, Pallid, Yellowish, Sickly, Jaundiced

Antonyms: Healthy, Rosy, Glowing

Examples:
  • Her sallow complexion indicated illness.
  • The sick child looked sallow and weak.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of "sickly yellow" to remember the pale-yellowish complexion.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'salue', from Old English 'saluwe', from Proto-Germanic 'salwō' (meaning yellow or pale).

Historical Usage:

The word can be traced back to Old English with its original meaning of pale or yellow.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Sallow complexion"

Explanation:

Refers to a pale or yellowish complexion, often associated with illness.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing sallow with healthy skin tone.

Explanation:

Sallow refers to a sickly or unhealthy complexion, not a healthy or rosy one.

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