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Umbrage: meaning, definitions and examples

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umbrage

 

[ ˈʌm.brɪdʒ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

feeling offended

Umbrage refers to a feeling of offense or annoyance. It is often used to describe the emotional reaction someone has when they perceive that they have been wronged or insulted. The term can imply a sense of indignation or resentment. When one takes umbrage at something, they are typically expressing displeasure in response to behavior or comments made by others.

Synonyms

displeasure, indignation, offense, resentment

Examples of usage

  • She took umbrage at the rude remark.
  • He expressed umbrage over the decision.
  • Taking umbrage seems unnecessary in this context.

Etymology

The word umbrage comes from the Latin 'umbra', meaning 'shadow' or 'shade', which evolved into the concept of a shadow cast by an offense. The term was first used in English around the late 16th century. It initially referred to the literal meaning of 'shadow' or 'shade', but by the early 17th century, it took on the figurative meaning of offense or resentment. The usage of umbrage is often connected to personal emotions and the sense of feeling overshadowed by someone else's words or actions. It highlights how a person's emotional state can be affected by external stimuli and perceptions. Over time, umbrage has maintained a consistent presence in literary and conversational contexts, reflecting its role in the complexities of human interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,331, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.