umbrage

/ˈʌm.bɹɪdʒ/

Group 14Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(noun)
Offense or annoyance
GRE

Example in Context

The ambassador took umbrage at the suggestion that his country had violated the treaty, demanding a formal retraction.

Synonyms

offenseresentmentdispleasure

Etymology

Feeling offended, as if cast into a shadow of annoyance.

  • umbra (Latin) — shadow

Memory Aid

😡Sounds like “umbra rage

A shadowy figure filled with RAGE every time someone steps on its toes, yelling 'I take UMBRAGE!'

Visual Association

🌑A person standing in a dark shadow, looking furious as others laugh and point.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “umbrage” mean on the GRE?

umbrage (noun) means “Offense or annoyance”. The ambassador took umbrage at the suggestion that his country had violated the treaty, demanding a formal retraction.

How to remember “umbrage” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “umbrage” sounds like “umbra rage”. A shadowy figure filled with RAGE every time someone steps on its toes, yelling 'I take UMBRAGE!'

What are synonyms for “umbrage”?

Common synonyms: offense, resentment, displeasure.