Orange: meaning, definitions and examples

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orange

 

[ˈɔːrɪndʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

color

A color between red and yellow in the spectrum, a mixture of red and yellow.

Synonyms

amber, carrot, tangerine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
orange

General term for the fruit or the color; commonly used in everyday language to describe the bright, reddish-yellow color.

  • She bought a juicy orange from the market
  • The sunset painted the sky in beautiful orange hues
amber

Often used to describe a deep, rich yellow-brown color, typically associated with fossilized tree resin. Sometimes used in jewelry or to describe the color of beer.

  • She wore an amber necklace that glowed in the sunlight
  • The beer had a warm amber color
carrot

Primarily refers to the vegetable, but can also describe a slightly more muted orange color.

  • He loves snacking on raw carrot sticks
  • The walls of the room were painted a soft carrot shade
tangerine

Describes a type of citrus fruit similar to an orange but smaller and sweeter, also used to describe a bright, vibrant orange color.

  • She packed a tangerine in her lunchbox
  • He wore a tangerine shirt that stood out in the crowd

Examples of usage

  • The sunset painted the sky with beautiful shades of orange.
  • She wore a bright orange dress to the party.
Context #2 | Noun

fruit

A round juicy citrus fruit with a tough bright reddish-yellow rind.

Synonyms

citrus, mandarin, tangerine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
orange

Use 'orange' when referring to the common fruit or its color. It is the generic term most people are familiar with.

  • She peeled an orange and shared it with her friend.
  • The sunset painted the sky in shades of orange.
citrus

Use 'citrus' when referring to the category of fruits that includes oranges, lemons, limes, and more. It is often used in a more scientific or general context.

  • Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C.
  • The orchard had various citrus trees, including lemons and oranges.
mandarin

Use 'mandarin' when describing a specific type of small, sweet citrus fruit with a loose skin that is easy to peel. It can sometimes be used interchangeably with 'tangerine.'

  • She prefers mandarin oranges because they are easier to peel.
  • He packed a mandarin in his lunchbox.
tangerine

Use 'tangerine' when referring to a specific type of mandarin that has a deep orange color and a slightly tart taste. It is often used in marketing and culinary contexts.

  • The tangerine segments added a fresh flavor to the salad.
  • During the winter, tangerines are a popular snack.

Examples of usage

  • She peeled an orange and shared it with her friend.
  • He packed an orange in his lunch for a healthy snack.
Context #3 | Adjective

color

Of a color between red and yellow; resembling the color of blood or fire.

Synonyms

amber, carrot, reddish-yellow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
orange

This word typically refers to the bright, vibrant color that is found on fruits of the same name, like oranges. It can also describe anything that is of a similar hue.

  • She wore an orange dress to the party.
  • The sunset painted the sky in shades of orange.
reddish-yellow

This term is used when describing a color that has both red and yellow tints, forming a gradient or a mixture of the two. It is rarely used in a specific, compact form and more in descriptive contexts.

  • The sky during the twilight was filled with reddish-yellow hues.
  • Her dress was a beautiful reddish-yellow shade that caught everyone's eye.
amber

Amber is usually associated with a deep, rich shade of yellow-orange, often connected to the color of fossilized tree resin. It is often used to describe jewelry, lights, or natural elements with this hue.

  • The traffic light turned amber, signaling drivers to slow down.
  • Her necklace was adorned with a beautiful amber pendant.
carrot

This term describes a bright, somewhat lighter and slightly reddish shade of orange, the same as a fresh carrot. It is often used in a more informal or descriptive context.

  • He painted his bike in a vibrant carrot color.
  • The carrot-colored scarf stood out in the crowd.

Examples of usage

  • The walls of the room were painted in a vibrant orange color.
  • The cat had beautiful orange fur.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'orange' comes from the Old French word 'orenge', which in turn originates from the Arabic 'nāranj', meaning bitter orange.
  • Before becoming the name for the fruit, 'orange' referred solely to the color in English, emerging around the 15th century.

Cultural Significance

  • In Hindu culture, oranges are often offered in religious ceremonies due to their bright color and sweet taste.
  • The orange color is associated with joy and warmth, making it a popular choice in festivals and celebrations worldwide.

Nutrition

  • Rich in vitamin C, oranges boost the immune system and are known for their health benefits.
  • The fiber content in oranges aids in digestion, making it a healthy snack option.

Science

  • The process of photosynthesis in orange trees converts sunlight into chemical energy, supporting their growth.
  • Oranges are classified as berries in botanical terms, which is a fun twist in fruit classification!

Pop Culture

  • Oranges have appeared in various movies and songs, often symbolizing vitality and happiness, such as in the classic song 'Orange Blossom Special'.
  • The phrase 'The Orange' was famously used in the title of a popular novel by author Anthony Burgess entitled 'A Clockwork Orange', reflecting on complex societal themes.

Translations

Translations of the word "orange" in other languages:

🇵🇹 laranja

🇮🇳 संतरा

🇩🇪 Orange

🇮🇩 jeruk

🇺🇦 апельсин

🇵🇱 pomarańcza

🇯🇵 オレンジ

🇫🇷 orange

🇪🇸 naranja

🇹🇷 portakal

🇰🇷 오렌지

🇸🇦 برتقال

🇨🇿 pomeranč

🇸🇰 pomaranč

🇨🇳 橙子 (chéngzi)

🇸🇮 pomaranča

🇮🇸 appelsína

🇰🇿 апельсин

🇬🇪 ფორთოხალი

🇦🇿 portağal

🇲🇽 naranja

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,191, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.