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

Relying on simply repeating Trump’s tirades to stoke voters’ umbrage has never worked, and it won’t work now.

From Salon

Trump ridiculed the Democrats; the Democrats recoiled in wounded umbrage.

From Salon

After draining a three-pointer over Victoria Vivians midway in the second quarter, Clark took umbrage with the tight defensive coverage and an apparent bump after the shot.

From Seattle Times

Other cease-fire detractors take umbrage with demonstrations that disrupt daily life in Seattle, such as repeated civil disobedience actions at Westlake Park and the I-5 blockade in January.

From Seattle Times

Bonta also took umbrage with the narrative that criminal justice reforms such as Proposition 47, which made thefts of less than $950 in goods a misdemeanor, have encouraged smash and grab thieves.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annoyance
• displeasure
• offense