Umbrage

Umbrage (pronounced /ˈʌmbrɪdʒ/) is a noun denoting offense or annoyance. It describes a feeling of being hurt or resentful, usually caused by something someone has said or done. It implies a sense of having been slighted or treated unfairly. The origin of the word lies in the Latin word "umbra", meaning shade or shadow, hinting at a feeling of darkness or being overshadowed by negativity. Someone taking umbrage might react with indignation, anger, or withdrawal, often stemming from perceived disrespect or criticism. The degree of umbrage can vary, from mild irritation to deep-seated resentment.

Umbrage meaning with examples

• He took umbrage at the suggestion that he had cheated, vehemently denying the accusation and demanding an apology. His face reddened, and he refused to speak to the accuser for days, feeling deeply insulted and betrayed. The insinuation of dishonesty cut him to the quick, fueling his strong sense of umbrage.
• The author expressed umbrage at the critics' harsh review of her latest novel, feeling they had completely misinterpreted her intentions. She believed they failed to understand the nuanced themes she explored, leading her to write a scathing rebuttal online. The perceived misunderstanding fostered a sense of annoyance.
• During the debate, the politician showed clear signs of umbrage when his opponent questioned his integrity. He interrupted the questioner several times and responded with indignant retorts, defending his actions and denouncing the character of his adversary. The aggressive response clearly showed the sting of offense.
• She felt umbrage after overhearing her coworkers gossiping about her. The comments were hurtful and untrue, leaving her feeling betrayed and excluded from the group. This caused her to avoid those individuals at work, and to withdraw from group projects where she might have to interact with them.
• The company’s new policy requiring employees to work on weekends caused widespread umbrage among the staff. Many employees felt it was a violation of their work-life balance, leading them to stage a walk-out. There was significant dissatisfaction with this unilateral decision.