umbrage

[uhm-brij]

noun

1. offense; annoyance; displeasure.

   to feel umbrage at a social snub; to give umbrage to someone; to take umbrage at someone's rudeness.

   Synonyms: resentment, grudge, pic

2. the slightest indication or vaguest feeling of suspicion, doubt, hostility, or the like.

3. leaves that afford shade, as the foliage of trees.

4. shade or shadows, as cast by trees.

5. a shadowy appearance or semblance of something.

umbrage

/ ˈʌmbrɪdʒ /

noun

1. displeasure or resentment; offence (in the phrase give or take umbrage )

2. the foliage of trees, considered as providing shade

3. rare,  shadow or shade

4. archaic,  a shadow or semblance

Word History and Origins

Origin of umbrage¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Old French; umbra, -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of umbrage¹

C15: from Old French umbrage, from Latin umbrāticus relating to shade, from umbra shade, shadow

Example Sentences

I asked Cassidy’s office if the senator took umbrage at the insult but got no reply.

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He took special umbrage at Brown’s interpretation of Hunter’s comments.

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As Frost pointed out, it’s not necessary to annoy people with self-important umbrage.

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She was constantly feigning umbrage, often at the silliest moments.

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The only thing Republicans love more than being sexist is taking umbrage over anyone who calls them sexist.

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Related Words

• annoyance 
• displeasure 
• offense