umbrage

USAGE SUMMARY

"umbrage" is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to refer to a feeling of offense, displeasure, or resentment. For example: Her comments took me by surprise, and I felt a great deal of umbrage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he took umbrage at the suggestion that he was fixing the walkabout and began to approach random doors, where the reception was no less appreciative, with demands for selfies and invitations to come in for tea.

The Guardian

Perhaps the remainder of this BMW PGA Championship field took umbrage at the suggestion of a diminished tournament after the premature exit of Rory McIlroy.

The Guardian - Sport

For a long time the quarrel was over nomenclature, and the authorities took umbrage over the use of the word coup.

The Guardian - Opinion

Zarif, like President Hassan Rouhani and several other senior members of the Iranian government, holds an advanced degree from a western university, and appears to have taken umbrage at the condescending tone of the senators' letter.

The Guardian

The Chicago police department has reacted with indignation and non-specific denials of the Guardian's Homan Square reporting, and have taken particular umbrage at allegations of physical abuse.

The Guardian

Mr Ecevit seems to have taken more umbrage at Mr Sezer's bad manners than at the substance of his comments.

The Economist

Whereas Mr Streiff would take umbrage at any perceived interference from the family-dominated supervisory board, the unflappable Mr Varin is tactfully enthusiastic about working with the Peugeots who, he says, bring with them a strong set of values, like Mr Tata.

The Economist

But Mr Ecevit seems to have taken more umbrage at Mr Sezer's bad manners than at the substance of his comments.

The Economist

Yet since its installation last year, some have taken umbrage at the installation and its proximity to the square's church.

The Economist

Perhaps taking umbrage at the lack of warning, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC a potential host said it did not like the idea of the English inviting themselves over.

The Economist

Already violence is ticking up near the rebel capital of Donetsk and the Ukrainian-held port of Mariupol.In this section Great patriotic war, again Commitment anxiety Guilt and reconciliation Inside jobs Arrivederci, darling Aliyev's party The enforcer ReprintsPetro Poroshenko, Ukraine's president, takes umbrage at charges that reforms are lagging.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "umbrage" in formal contexts where you want to convey a sense of offense or resentment in a sophisticated manner. It's particularly effective when describing a reaction to perceived slight or disrespect.

Common error

Avoid using "umbrage" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound stilted or pretentious if used inappropriately. Opt for simpler alternatives like "offended" or "annoyed" in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "umbrage" is as a noun, often used to denote a feeling of offense or displeasure. It can also function as a verb, though less commonly, meaning to displease. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Umbrage" is a word used to describe a feeling of offense or resentment, predominantly appearing in neutral to formal writing, like news or media. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard grammar rules. It's often used with the verb "take", as in "take umbrage at something". While it can also function as a verb, its usage as a noun is far more common. When writing, remember that "umbrage" is best suited for formal contexts and should be replaced with a simpler alternative in casual conversation. Alternative phrases like "take offense" or "be offended" can be used to express the same meaning. The frequency of "umbrage" is very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take offense

Emphasizes the act of feeling offended by something, similar to "umbrage" but focuses on the action.

be offended

Describes the state of feeling hurt or upset by something, sharing the core meaning of "umbrage".

take exception

Indicates disagreement or disapproval, sharing the negative connotation of "umbrage" but with a focus on differing opinions.

resentment

Focuses on the feeling of indignation or ill will, similar to "umbrage" in conveying negative sentiment.

indignation

Implies a strong feeling of anger or annoyance, sharing the emotional intensity of "umbrage".

feel aggrieved

Highlights the sense of being wronged or unjustly treated, similar to the sense of injury in "umbrage".

displeasure

A more general term for dissatisfaction or disapproval, related to "umbrage" but less intense.

annoyance

Suggests a mild form of irritation or displeasure, less strong than "umbrage" but conveys a similar feeling.

irritation

Similar to annoyance, indicating a state of being slightly angered or bothered, a milder version of "umbrage".

take amiss

Indicates misunderstanding or taking something in a wrong way, which can lead to feelings of umbrage. Changes the verb to a more direct action.

FAQs

How to use "umbrage" in a sentence?

You can use "umbrage" to describe the feeling of being offended. For example, "He took "umbrage" at the suggestion that he was not qualified."

What can I say instead of "take umbrage"?

You can use alternatives like "take offense", "be offended", or "feel resentment" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "take umbrage" or "give umbrage"?

"Take "umbrage"" is correct to describe someone feeling offended. "Give "umbrage"" is not a standard usage; instead, use phrases like "cause offense".

What's the difference between "umbrage" and "resentment"?

"Umbrage" refers to the initial feeling of offense or annoyance, while "resentment" is a more prolonged and deeper feeling of bitterness or ill will. So, while someone might take "umbrage" immediately, "resentment" builds over time.