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capitalize Meaning & Definition

/ˈkæpətəˌlaɪz/

What Does Capitalize Mean?

As a verb, capitalize means 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. It can also mean To contribute or acquire capital (money or other resources) for.

Capitalize in Brief

Part of speechverb
Pronunciation/ˈkæpətəˌlaɪz/
Synonymstake advantage
Verb formscapitalizes, capitalizing, capitalized

Capitalize Definition (Verb)

  1. 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.

    In German, all nouns are capitalized.

  2. To contribute or acquire capital (money or other resources) for.

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

  3. To convert into capital, i.e., to get cash or similar immediately fungible resources for some less fungible property or source of future income.

    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.

  4. To treat as capital, not as an expense.
  5. To profit or to obtain an advantage.

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

  6. To seize, as an opportunity; to obtain a benefit from; to invest on something profitable.

    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.

Synonyms of Capitalize

take advantage
Capitalize synonyms and antonyms →

Capitalize in a Sentence

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.

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.

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 & Grammar

capitalize (third-person singular simple present capitalizes, present participle capitalizing, simple past and past participle capitalized)

Words That Rhyme With Capitalize

Origin of Capitalize

From capital +‎ -ize, the first element ultimately from Latin capitālis (“of the head”).

Frequently Asked Questions About Capitalize

What part of speech is capitalize?

Capitalize is a verb.

What is another word for capitalize?

Close synonyms of capitalize are take advantage. See the full list of capitalize synonyms and antonyms.

What is the past tense of capitalize?

The past tense of capitalize is capitalized. The present participle is capitalizing.

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