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capitalize

verb

Simple meaning

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

Pronunciation

Say it like this:

kapuhtuhlyz

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US device voice
IPA pronunciation (US)

ˈkæpətəlaɪz

This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.

Word Review

Definition

Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.

verb

  1. transitivebusinessfinance

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

  2. transitivefinance

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

  3. Convert (a company's reserve funds) into capital

  4. intransitive

    To profit or to obtain an advantage.

  5. 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.

Word at a Glance

Difficulty
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Uncommon
Typical Use
Neutral / general English

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capitalize namescapitalize wordsfully capitalize

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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.