What does "capitalize" mean?
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.
Capitalize
/ˈkæpətəˌlaɪz/ verb
verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: 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.
- Grammar: capitalize is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: capitalise, advantaged, advantaging, aid.
- Useful contrasts: amortized, uncased, expense.
- Usage evidence: You must capitalize on the opportunity.
How to use "capitalize"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "capitalize" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "capitalize" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "capitalize" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "capitalize" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "capitalize" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "capitalise" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "capitalize", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
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. transitive
"In German, all nouns are capitalized."
- 2 convert (a company's reserve funds) into capital wordnet
- 3 To contribute or acquire capital (money or other resources) for. transitive
"Some states require proof that a new venture is properly capitalized before the state will issue a certificate of incorporation."
- 4 consider expenditures as capital assets rather than expenses wordnet
- 5 To convert into capital, i.e., to get cash or similar immediately fungible resources for some less fungible property or source of future income. transitive
"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."
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 compute the present value of a business or an income wordnet
- 7 To treat as capital, not as an expense. transitive
- 8 write in capital letters wordnet
- 9 To profit or to obtain an advantage. intransitive
"The home team took several shots on goal but was unable to capitalize until late in the game."
- 10 draw advantages from wordnet
- 11 To seize, as an opportunity; to obtain a benefit from; to invest on something profitable. intransitive
"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."
- 12 supply with capital, as of a business by using a combination of capital used by investors and debt capital provided by lenders wordnet
Example
"You must capitalize on the opportunity."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "capitalize"?
Common synonyms include: capitalise, advantaged, advantaging, aid, alphabet, alphabetize.
How do you use "capitalize" in a sentence?
You must capitalize on the opportunity.
How do you pronounce "capitalize"?
Pronounced /ˈkæpətəˌlaɪz/.
Etymology
From capital + -ize, the first element ultimately from Latin capitālis (“of the head”).