Orangutang vs. Orangutan — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Fiza Rafique — By Munazza Shafiq — Updated on April 19, 2024
Orangutang is the incorrect spelling of orangutan, a large ape from the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Orangutang or Orangutan
How to spell Orangutan?
Orangutang
Incorrect Spelling
Orangutan
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
The spelling "orangutan" matches the standard transcription from Malay, emphasizing the natural 'tan' ending.
Avoid adding the unnecessary 'g' which is not present in the native spelling or pronunciation.
Think of "tan" as in "suntan," which relates to the tropical environment of the orangutan.
Remember that "orangutan" ends with "tan," like the color of its fur.
Note that "orangutan" closely follows its origins in the Malay words "orang" (person) and "hutan" (forest), without an extra 'g'.
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How Do You Spell Orangutan Correctly?
Incorrect: He wrote a paper on the habitat of the orangutang.
Correct: He wrote a paper on the habitat of the orangutan.
Incorrect: She adopted an orangutang from the wildlife rescue.
Correct: She adopted an orangutan from the wildlife rescue.
Incorrect: The zoo's new exhibit features an orangutang.
Correct: The zoo's new exhibit features an orangutan.
Orangutan Definitions
A subject of extensive study due to its close genetic relationship to humans.
Genetic research on the orangutan helps scientists understand human evolution.
An endangered species due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting.
Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of the orangutan.
A great ape with reddish-brown hair, native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, known for its intelligence and arboreal lifestyle.
An orangutan uses large leaves as umbrellas in the rain.
The only Asian great ape, distinguished by its solitary nature and complex behaviors.
The orangutan is observed using tools to gather food.
Known for its distinctive facial features and expressive eyes.
The expressive eyes of an orangutan convey a range of emotions.
Orangutans are great apes native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia. They are now found only in parts of Borneo and Sumatra, but during the Pleistocene they ranged throughout Southeast Asia and South China.
Either of two large arboreal apes, Pongo pygmaeus of Borneo or P. abelii of Sumatra, having a shaggy reddish-brown coat, very long arms, and no tail.
Any of three species of arboreal anthropoid ape, characterised by their shaggy reddish-brown coat and long arms, which comprise the genus Pongo; Pongo pygmaeus of Borneo, Pongo abelii of Sumatra or Pongo tapanuliensis of South Tapanuli (in Sumatra).
Large long-armed ape of Borneo and Sumatra having arboreal habits
Orangutan Meaning in a Sentence
The orangutan swung gracefully from tree to tree.
A young orangutan clings to its mother for the first few years.
The diet of an orangutan mainly consists of fruits and leaves.
The orangutan has a slow reproductive rate, which impacts its population recovery.
It takes about eight years for an orangutan to reach maturity.
Visitors to Borneo often hope to spot an orangutan in the wild.
The orangutan uses its hands and feet equally well to grasp branches.
Orangutan conservation is supported by numerous international organizations.
An adult male orangutan has distinctive cheek pads.
Orangutan Idioms & Phrases
Climb like an orangutan
Used to describe someone who is very good at climbing.
The child could climb like an orangutan, scaling the playground equipment with ease.
Orangutan's gaze
Refers to a look that is deep, thoughtful, or penetrating.
He had an orangutan's gaze that seemed to read her thoughts.
Orangutan strength
Refers to someone's surprising physical strength.
Despite his slim build, he lifted the sofa with orangutan strength.
Orangutan arms
Describes having very long arms, often used playfully.
She joked that she needed orangutan arms to reach the top shelf.
The patience of an orangutan
Indicates having a lot of patience, akin to the often calm and deliberate orangutan.
Teaching toddlers requires the patience of an orangutan.
Common Curiosities
How many syllables are in orangutan?
Orangutan has four syllables.
Why is it called orangutan?
"Orangutan" comes from the Malay words "orang" meaning person and "hutan" meaning forest, referring to the "person of the forest."
How is orangutan used in a sentence?
Orangutan is used as a noun to refer to the ape species from Indonesia's rainforests.
What is a stressed syllable in orangutan?
The first syllable "o" is stressed in "orangutan."
How do we divide orangutan into syllables?
Orangutan is divided as o-rang-u-tan.
What is the singular form of orangutan?
The singular form is "orangutan."
What is the root word of orangutan?
The root words are the Malay "orang" (person) and "hutan" (forest).
What part of speech is orangutan?
Orangutan is a noun.
What is the pronunciation of orangutan?
Orangutan is pronounced as /ɔːˈræŋɡətæn/.
What is another term for orangutan?
Another common term is "forest person."
What is the opposite of orangutan?
There is no direct opposite; however, a non-arboreal animal could be considered contextually opposite.
Is the word orangutan Gerund?
No, "orangutan" is not a gerund as it is not used as a verb.
What is the verb form of orangutan?
There is no verb form of orangutan; it is strictly a noun.
Is orangutan a negative or positive word?
Orangutan is a neutral word; it carries no inherent negative or positive connotation.
Is orangutan a collective noun?
No, orangutan is not typically used as a collective noun.
Is the word orangutan imperative?
No, orangutan is not used in an imperative form.
Is orangutan an abstract noun?
No, orangutan is a concrete noun, referring to a physical being.
Which determiner is used with orangutan?
Determiners such as "the," "a," or "an" can be used with orangutan depending on the context.
What is the plural form of orangutan?
The plural form is "orangutans."
Is orangutan a vowel or consonant?
The word orangutan starts with a vowel sound.
Is orangutan a countable noun?
Yes, orangutan is a countable noun.
Is the orangutan term a metaphor?
The term "orangutan" itself is not a metaphor, but it can be used metaphorically to describe someone with similar characteristics.
Which vowel is used before orangutan?
The vowel "a" is used in "orangutan."
Which preposition is used with orangutan?
Prepositions like "in" (in orangutan habitats) or "of" (the diet of orangutans) are commonly used.
Which conjunction is used with orangutan?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used in sentences involving orangutans.
Which article is used with orangutan?
Both "the" (the orangutan) and "an" (an orangutan) are appropriate depending on the context.
Is orangutan a noun or adjective?
Orangutan is a noun.
Is orangutan an adverb?
No, orangutan is not an adverb.
Is the word “orangutan” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Orangutan" can be used as either a direct or an indirect object depending on the sentence.
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Written by
Munazza Shafiq
Edited by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
