Meaning

(transitive) In writing or editing, to write (something: either an entire word or text, or just the initial letter(s) thereof) in capital letters, in upper case..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) In writing or editing, to write (something: either an entire word or text, or just the initial letter(s) thereof) in capital letters, in upper case.
2. (transitive, business, finance) To contribute or acquire capital (money or other resources) for.
3. (transitive, finance) To convert into capital, i.e., to get cash or similar immediately fungible resources for some less fungible property or source of future income.
4. (transitive, accounting, taxation) To treat as capital, not as an expense.
5. (intransitive) To profit or to obtain an advantage.
6. (intransitive, followed by on) To seize, as an opportunity; to obtain a benefit from; to invest on something profitable.

Example Sentences

In German, all nouns are capitalized.

Some states require proof that a new venture is properly capitalized before the state will issue a certificate of incorporation.

To have any hope of success a new venture must be properly capitalized.

If we obtain a loan using the business as collateral, the effect will be to capitalize our next ten years of income, giving us cash today that we can use to buy out our competitor.

The home team took several shots on goal but was unable to capitalize until late in the game.

In early morality plays, there appeared several vices representing some of the deadly sins, such as Covetousness, Lust, or Pride. Later plays, particularly those performed between 1560 and 1575, featured a single, composite character labelled as "the Vice" (Miyajima, 1977). The Vice, like the Devil, operated by capitalizing on observed human vulnerability.

The home team appeared to have the advantage throughout the game, and finally capitalized on their opponents' weakness with just two minutes remaining, scoring several points in quick succession.

Word Forms

• capitalizes
• capitalizing
• capitalized
• capitalise

Synonyms for capitalize

Related Words

When Should You Use Capitalize?

Use capitalize when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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