swarthy
Noun
Hard difficulty
What does “swarthy” mean?
noun.dark-complexioned.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing ethnicity, cultural identity, or physical descriptions of characters. It emphasizes a specific visual characteristic that can suggest heritage or societal perceptions, distinguishing it from more neutral terms like "dark" by carrying connotations related to race and identity.
Common Confusions
Swarthy implies a specific dark complexion often tied to ethnic identity, while tan usually suggests a sun-induced color change of the skin without cultural connotations.
Do not choose swarthy if the context emphasizes lightness or fairness rather than dark-complexioned.
Example Sentences
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The swarthy sailor had spent years under a harsh tropical sun.