ENGLISH
REFERENCE

umbrella

n. countable
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈəmˌbɹɛɫə// UK //ʌmbɹˈɛlɐ// um·brel·la General-service

n. a folding tool that you hold over your head to stay dry in the rain. It has a long handle and a round cover made of waterproof cloth.

n. a portable device consisting of a circular canopy of fabric on a folding metal frame supported by a central rod. Used primarily for protection against rain or sunlight.


SIMPLE

I always carry an umbrella in my bag just in case it rains.

CONTEXTUAL

The sudden downpour caught the shoppers by surprise, forcing them to huddle under a large café umbrella.

COMPLEX

While the primary function of an umbrella is utilitarian, its design has evolved into a fashion statement, with high-end brands producing ornate versions that serve as status symbols.

Origin

Borrowed from Italian ombrella (“parasol, sunshade”), from Late Latin umbrella (influenced by umbra (“shadow, shade”)), from Latin umbella, from umbra + -la (diminutive suffix).

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'open', 'close', and 'fold'.

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