umbrage
noun
Offense or annoyance; a feeling of resentment at some slight or insult. Originally referred to shade cast by trees.
Etymology
From Latin "umbra" (shade, shadow). The meaning shifted from literal shade to "shadow of suspicion" to "feeling overshadowed or slighted."
Examples in Use
- 1.
"She took umbrage at the suggestion that she was unprepared."
- 2.
"His casual dismissal of their work caused widespread umbrage."
- 3.
"The ambassador expressed umbrage at the diplomatic snub."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
The phrase "take umbrage" preserves the word's shadow origins—to take umbrage is to feel darkened or overshadowed by an insult. This metaphor connecting shadow with negative emotion is ancient.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 7 letters (U, M, B, R, A, G, E)
Scrabble Value: 12 points
Tip: Try building from common prefixes or suffixes when you spot these letters.
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