capitalize

verb

cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈka-pə-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce capitalize (audio)
ˈkap-tə-
capitalized; capitalizing

transitive verb

1
: to write or print with an initial capital or in capitals
Capitalize the names of cities and states.
2
a
: to convert into capital
capitalize the company's reserve fund
b
: to treat as an amortizable investment in long-term capital assets rather than as an ordinary operating expense to be charged against revenue for the period in which it is incurred
capitalize development costs
3
a
: to compute the present value of (an income extended over a period of time)
b
: to convert (a periodic payment) into an equivalent capital sum
capitalized annuities
4
: to supply capital for

intransitive verb

: to gain by turning something to advantage
capitalize on an opponent's mistake

Examples of capitalize in a Sentence

Remember to capitalize the I in Internet. Capitalize the first word of your sentence. She rarely capitalizes her name when she signs her e-mails. The venture was capitalized with a loan of one million dollars. You can capitalize your investment at any time.
Recent Examples on the Web Trader Joe's canvas mini tote bags have been hard to find and resellers have been capitalizing off the item's skyrocketing market value, but shoppers' luck could turn around in a few months. Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024 Arizona capitalized late in the second quarter during a rare break for Watkins, who went to the bench with 3:32 left. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 But Russia’s dependence on oil is a vulnerability on which the United States should capitalize. Max Bergmann, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2024 Vanderbilt turned the ball over seven times in the third quarter, but the Tigers only capitalized to the tune of 12 total points across the period. Calum McAndrew, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2024 Truth was likely trolling her interviewers, who kept asking her age, while capitalizing off the appetite some white Americans had for antebellum stories. Cynthia Greenlee, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 The Ledgers were assessed a five-minute major penalty for boarding at the 9:41 mark, but River Falls failed to capitalize, managing just four shots with the advantage. Jim Hoehn, Twin Cities, 29 Feb. 2024 More scrappy behavior: New list honoree Pulley, which helps startups issue and keep track of who owns equity in their companies, was quick to capitalize when larger competitor Carta landed in hot water early this year for sharing some of its clients’ sensitive information with investors. Emily Mason, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Niners running back Christian McCaffrey fumbled on the game's opening drive, but the Chiefs were unable to capitalize. Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'capitalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

(sense 1) capital entry 2 (sense 2) + -ize; (senses 2-4) borrowed from French capitaliser, from capital capital entry 2 + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of capitalize was in 1764

Dictionary Entries Near capitalize

Cite this Entry

“Capitalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitalize. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

capitalize

verb
cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈkap-ət-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce capitalize (audio)
ˈkap-tᵊl-
capitalized; capitalizing
1
: to write or print with a beginning capital letter or in capital letters
2
a
: to supply capital for (as a business or a project)
b
: to use as capital (as in business)
3
: to use to help oneself
capitalize on an opponent's mistake
capitalization
ˌkap-ət-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən
ˌkap-tᵊl-
noun

Legal Definition

capitalize

transitive verb
cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈka-pət-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce capitalize (audio)
capitalized; capitalizing
1
a
: to convert into capital
capitalize the company's earnings
b
: to treat as a capital expenditure rather than an ordinary and necessary expense
the cost of the merger must be capitalized
2
a
: to compute the present value of (an income extended over a period of time) compare amortize
b
: to convert (a periodic payment) into an equivalent capital sum
capitalized annuities
3
: to supply capital for
had capitalized the business with her own savings

More from Merriam-Webster on capitalize

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