umbrage

American  

[uhm-brij] / ˈʌm brɪdʒ /

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.

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umbrage British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of umbrage

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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

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

From Salon

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

From Salon

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

From Salon

Related Words

• annoyance
• displeasure
• offense