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"UMBRAGE" Pronunciation: UM bridge Part of speech: Uncountable noun. (Like “milk,” “rice,” and “education,” uncountable nouns are words for stuff that can’t be broken into exact units. You talk about “some milk,” “the rice,” and “a lot of education,” but you don’t say “a milk,” “three rices,” or “many educations.” Likewise, talk about “the umbrage,” “such umbrage,” “no umbrage,” and so on, but don’t say “umbrages.”) Meaning: Umbrage is a feeling of being offended, angry, and annoyed. Other forms: umbrageous How to use it: Talk about taking umbrage at/with something or feeling umbrage at something. "I took umbrage at her comment." "They keep taking umbrage with my suggestions." "He felt umbrage at my curt greeting." You can also give umbrage to someone. "I can't believe so many little things give umbrage to her." Feel free to stick in adjectives: "take great umbrage," "felt intense umbrage," "gave violent umbrage." Finally, you can just talk about "umbrage" or "the umbrage" in general. "Despite all the anger and umbrage, the kids followed the new rules." It's hard not to take umbrage when someone ignores an email from you but continues emailing you about other matters. I take particular umbrage at comments assuming that because I'm a mom now, my career is over. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "umbrage” means when you can explain it without saying “offense” or “irritation." Think of something you hear people say sometimes that really irks you, and fill in the blank: "I can't help but take umbrage when people say ____. (Add a reason here if you want to.)" Example : "I can't help but take umbrage when people say my name incorrectly even after I've explained how to say it. It shows they didn't care enough to pay attention." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don't go straight to the review now; let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: This month's game content is protected by a copyright, so I can't reprint the trivia questions here--but check out the challenging, endlessly entertaining game; it's called Moot! A Point Well Made: St. Thomas Aquinas: “There can be no joy in living without joy in work.” 1. The opposite of UMBRAGE is A. PROTECTION B. SNOOTINESS C. DELIGHT 2. I'm trying to reduce my capacity for umbrage in order to _____ A. be more productive when working alone. B. better stand up for myself. C. have more harmonious relationships. Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. C 2. C