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capitalize

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈkæpətəˌlaɪz/
  • Audio (UK):(file)
  • Audio (US):(file)

Verb

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

  2. (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.
    In German, all nouns are capitalized.
  3. (transitive, business, finance) 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.
    • 1990 April 7, 9, “Irish Gay Mag To Begin Publication”, in Gay Community News, page 9:
      To have any hope of success a new venture must be properly capitalized.
  4. (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.
    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.
  5. (transitive, accounting, taxation) To treat as capital, not as an expense.
  6. (intransitive) 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.
    • 1983, Wendy Griswold, “The Devil's Techniques: Cultural Legitimation and Social Change”, in American Sociological Review‎[1], volume 48, number 5, page 671a of 668–680:
      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.
  7. (intransitive, followed by on) 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.

Derived terms

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Translations

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See also

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Portuguese

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Verb

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capitalize

  1. inflection of capitalizar:
    1. first/third-person singular present subjunctive
    2. third-person singular imperative
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