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

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

From Salon

Then there’s Jimmy Kimmel, whose late-night show was suspended on Sept. 17 for an innocuous comment he made with which the White House took umbrage.

From Salon

Some also took umbrage with the decision to debut the shoe in Puerto Rico, far from the regions in Mexico where the footwear originates.

From Los Angeles Times

And as it turned out, all the groups the Democrats strove to stir to wounded umbrage weren’t much moved, and they weren’t impressed by the Democrats’ constantly being overcome by the vapors.

From Salon

He was no fan of Donald Trump, taking particular umbrage at those who tried wrapping him in the Reagan mantle.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annoyance 
• displeasure 
• offense