umbrage

noun

um·brage | \ ˈəm-brij

Definition of umbrage

1 : a feeling of pique or resentment at some often fancied slight or insult took umbrage at the speaker's remarks

2 : shady branches : foliage

3 : shade, shadow

4a : an indistinct indication : vague suggestion : hint

b : a reason for doubt : suspicion

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about umbrage

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Choose the Right Synonym for umbrage

offense, resentment, umbrage, pique, dudgeon, huff mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity. offense implies hurt displeasure. takes deep offense at racial slurs resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will. harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives. took umbrage at the offer of advice pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity. in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation. stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause. in a huff he slammed the door

Did You Know?

Deare amber lockes gave umbrage to her face. This line from a poem by William Drummond, published in 1616, uses "umbrage" in its original sense of "shade or shadow," a meaning shared by its Latin source, umbra. ("Umbella," the diminutive form of umbra, means "a sunshade or parasol" in Latin and is an ancestor of our word umbrella.) Beginning in the early 17th century, "umbrage" was also used to mean "a shadowy suggestion or semblance of something," as when Shakespeare, in Hamlet, wrote, "His semblable is his mirror, and who else would trace him, his umbrage, nothing more." In the same century, "umbrage" took on the pejorative senses "a shadow of suspicion cast on someone" and "displeasure, offense"; the latter is commonly used today in the phrases "give umbrage" or "take umbrage."

Examples of umbrage in a Sentence

took umbrage at the slightest suggestion of disrespect

Recent Examples on the Web

Not surprisingly, the Trump administration has taken umbrage. — The Economist, "France is giving unilateralism a go," 22 Aug. 2019 Someone might take umbrage at your words, but most people won't. — BostonGlobe.com, "Horoscope," 22 Aug. 2019 That Cuomo took umbrage at the name, though, is not all that surprising. — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, "CNN’s Chris Cuomo said “Fredo” is like “the n-word” for Italians. It’s … not.," 13 Aug. 2019 Trump has taken particular umbrage at Cummings for criticizing his Department of Homeland Security chief during a congressional hearing earlier this month over reports of unsanitary conditions for children at border facilities. — Author: Tim Elfrink, John Wagner, Anchorage Daily News, "Trump lashes out anew at Rep. Cummings and the ‘corrupt’ city he represents, says Baltimore residents have thanked him," 30 July 2019 Ocasio-Cortez took particular umbrage at Pelosi's string of recent reprimands. — Jonathan Allen, NBC News, "Amid 'race card' allegations, Pelosi teaches Ocasio-Cortez a math lesson," 14 July 2019 Many of us descendants of earlier immigrants from those countries take extreme umbrage at those sentiments. — Letter Writers, Twin Cities, "Letters: What radical politician made this proclamation?," 7 July 2019 While his response was intended as a critique of the media’s obsession with male candidates, several viewers took umbrage and considered the response sexist. — Nic Garcia, The Denver Post, "“Are all the white guys running together in people’s minds?” The unusual role identity is playing in the 2020 Democratic primary," 9 June 2019 But last year, in an exchange with CNN host Chris Cuomo, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway took umbrage at the suggestion that Trump lies. — Paul Farhi, Washington Post, "Lies? The news media is starting to describe Trump’s ‘falsehoods’ that way.," 6 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'umbrage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for umbrage

umbrage

noun

English Language Learners Definition of umbrage

formal : a feeling of being offended by what someone has said or done

See the full definition for umbrage in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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umbrage

Definition of umbrage

Synonyms for umbrage

Choose the Right Synonym for umbrage

Did You Know?

Examples of umbrage in a Sentence

First Known Use of umbrage

History and Etymology for umbrage

English Language Learners Definition of umbrage

umbrage

Definition of umbrage

Synonyms for umbrage

Choose the Right Synonym for umbrage

Did You Know?

Examples of umbrage in a Sentence

First Known Use of umbrage

History and Etymology for umbrage

English Language Learners Definition of umbrage

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