capital
noun (countable)
UK/ˈkæp.ɪ.təl/US/ˈkæp.ɪ.təl/
An uppercase letter of the alphabet.
Example Sentences
Please begin each sentence with a capital letter to ensure proper grammar.
The teacher reminded the students to use capital letters for proper nouns in their essays.
In the title, every significant word should start with a capital letter.
He corrected the text by adding a capital letter at the beginning of the paragraph.
The proper use of capitals is important in distinguishing between common and proper nouns.
When typing, make sure to switch to capital letters for acronyms and abbreviations.
The logo features the brand name written entirely in capital letters for emphasis.
She learned that using a capital letter for 'I' is a fundamental rule in English writing.
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adjective
UK/ˈkæp.ɪ.təl/US/ˈkæp.ɪ.təl/
Of primary importance; principal.
Example Sentences
The company's capital project aims to improve infrastructure and increase efficiency.
Maintaining a healthy capital structure is crucial for the sustainability of any business.
They focused on capital investment to drive growth and expand their market presence.
The capital route was chosen to minimize costs and maximize return on investment.
Government grants provide the capital necessary for research and development initiatives.
A strong capital base allows the bank to offer more loans and financial services.
The organization allocated additional capital to fund new technology and innovation.
Strategic capital planning is essential for achieving long-term business objectives.
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How to Use
Refers to the primary city of a jurisdiction or essential financial assets.“Capital” can be used in different contexts. In governance, it identifies the city or municipality where a government’s central offices and highest legislative or judicial bodies reside. For instance, when referencing the capital of a country, you highlight the central hub of political activity and administration. In a financial context, “capital” encompasses wealth—both physical assets and monetary resources—available for investment or business operations. When discussing business plans, “capital” refers to funds or assets deployed to initiate and maintain projects, whether for small startups or large corporations. Entrepreneurs often seek initial capital from investors, and well-established corporations tap into capital markets for expansions or strategic acquisitions. The word is flexible enough to address physical, intellectual, and financial assets. For example, “human capital” denotes the collective skills, knowledge, and experience possessed by an individual or population, which can spur economic growth and innovation. “Capital expenditures” point to significant outlays on long-term assets like machinery or infrastructure. In academic and professional writing, “capital” can also be combined with other terms to provide a more precise meaning, such as “venture capital,” “capital gains,” or “capital account.” Proper usage involves clarifying your context—political, economic, or even figurative—to ensure your readers or listeners clearly understand which aspect of “capital” you’re referencing.
Alternatives
Depending on the context, alternative words can vary significantly. In a financial or business context, synonyms might include “funds,” “assets,” or “equity.” These alternatives highlight the monetary aspects of “capital,” focusing on resources used or invested in the pursuit of profit or development. Meanwhile, if you want to refer to the leading city within a country or region, alternatives like “metropolis” or “seat of government” might be appropriate, though these can slightly shift the meaning. “Metropolis” often implies a large and bustling city, and “seat of government” emphasizes the administrative function. For everyday writing, the term “capital” is often the most straightforward choice, but understanding the nuanced alternatives can help you convey more precise meanings. In broader contexts, words such as “wealth,” “cash,” or “principal” may serve as stand-ins for “capital,” especially when highlighting financial resources. Ultimately, when choosing a synonym, consider the exact context—political, financial, social, or cultural—to capture the precise layer of meaning you intend, ensuring maximum clarity in both formal writing and casual conversation.
Writing
When writing about “capital,” clarity is essential. Determine which meaning is most pertinent: the principal city of a country, the financial resources an individual or institution controls, or another specialized sense like intellectual or social capital. In academic and professional documents, define the term early if it holds a critical role in your argument. For example, if you’re explaining the importance of capital in business, specify whether you’re talking about start-up funding, investment capital, or long-term assets. This helps prevent confusion and ensures your audience grasps the main idea without ambiguity. Use additional descriptors or context—such as “capital reserves” or “capital budgeting”—to convey nuanced meaning. Maintain consistency once you’ve chosen a specific definition, and avoid conflating political and financial meanings without clear explanations. Well-structured paragraphs and transitional phrases will further improve the flow of your discussion. Overall, your goal is to use “capital” in a manner that highlights its utility while giving readers enough context to engage deeply with your content.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day conversations, “capital” frequently appears when talking about cities or money. For example, you might hear, “Let’s visit the capital for a weekend getaway,” or “They need more capital to expand their bakery.” The key is keeping the context clear. Are you referring to your country’s main city, where government and cultural activities thrive, or to financial resources like money and assets? Keeping it simple often helps in casual settings. If friends are discussing investment opportunities, clarify that “capital” means the funds or assets needed to start or grow a business. When traveling, make sure you know if someone suggests going to the “capital”—they’re likely talking about a political center, replete with historical landmarks and governmental buildings. Being mindful of context allows everyone to understand precisely which “capital” is meant and fosters a smooth, clear exchange of ideas in everyday chats.
Etymology
The term “capital” has Latin roots, tracing back to “caput,” meaning “head.” Over time, “caput” evolved to describe things relating to the top or most important part, whether an individual’s head or a central entity within a city or organization. By the Middle Ages, the concept extended to finance, indicating the principal sum of money in transactions and investments. In essence, “capital” came to represent the ‘head’ or chief element of a financial arrangement. Historically, cities serving as administrative or cultural centers were labeled “capitals” because they became the ‘head’ of governance for states or regions. This dual usage—both political and financial—reflects how “capital” underscores significance: it’s about the forefront, whether it’s a city leading a country or the wealth underpinning enterprise. Today, the word embodies these intertwined aspects, linking governance, economy, and societal growth under one umbrella concept. The versatility of “capital” continues to shape discussions on economics, politics, and beyond, revealing how a simple notion of “head” can branch into myriad modern meanings.