Definition

Adjective: 1. (Of skin) having a brownish color from exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. This describes the darkened pigmentation of skin resulting from spending time in the sun.

Usage

The word suntanned is used to describe a person's skin tone. It is typically used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "be" or "look"). * It emphasizes that the color is a direct result of sun exposure, distinguishing it from a natural complexion or a tan from artificial sources. * It often carries a positive connotation of health, leisure, or an active outdoor lifestyle.

Examples

• Attributive use: "She showed off her suntanned shoulders in a sundress."
• Predicative use: "After two weeks at the beach, he returned home deeply suntanned."
• "The lifeguard's suntanned face was a testament to his long hours in the sun."
• "Her suntanned legs contrasted with her pale sandals."

Advanced Usage

• Comparative and Superlative Forms: While "more suntanned" and "most suntanned" are grammatically correct, it is common to use "tanner" and "tannest" in informal contexts.
  • After the holiday, I am much more suntanned than my sister.
• Nuance: Suntanned can sometimes imply a degree of intentional sun exposure for cosmetic reasons, whereas a synonym like weathered implies long-term, often unintentional, exposure leading to a rougher skin texture.

Variants and Related Words

• Tan (verb & adjective): The more common and versatile term. As a verb: "I want to tan by the pool." As an adjective: "She has tan skin."
• Bronzed (adjective): Often used poetically or to suggest a deep, attractive, and even golden tan.
• Sun-kissed (adjective): A more poetic and gentle term, suggesting a light, attractive tan.

Synonyms

• Tanned: The most direct and frequently used synonym.
• Bronzed: Suggests a deeper, richer, or more statuesque tan.
• Browned: A more general and less common term for the color change.

Antonyms

• Pale: Having light skin with little color.
• Fair: Light in color, often used for complexion.
• Pastry: (Informal, humorous) Extremely pale skin.
• Un-tanned: Not tanned; in a natural state.

Adjective

1. (of skin) having a tan color from exposure to the sun
   • a young bronzed Apollo