capitalize

play

verb cap·i·tal·ize \ˈka-pə-tə-ˌlīz, ˈkap-tə-, British also kə-ˈpi-tə-\

Definition of capitalize

capitalized

;

capitalizing

transitive verb
1 : to write or print with an initial capital or in capitals Capitalize the names of cities and states.
2a : to convert into capital capitalize the company's reserve fundb : 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
3a : 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

See capitalize defined for English-language learners

See capitalize defined for kids

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 of capitalize from the Web

Al-Shabab positions itself as a defender of disenfranchised and marginalized clans, expertly manipulating and capitalizing on local and clan grievances to gain support — including gathering the support of anti-government leaders and militias.

— tricia bacon, Washington Post, "This is why al-Shabab won’t be going away anytime soon", 6 July 2017
LSU, led by Ed Orgeron and Tommie Robinson, did a masterful job in capturing the excitement of the moment and capitalizing on it.

— james smith, NOLA.com, "A.J. Carter's commitment to LSU was more surprising than his decommitment", 6 July 2017
Smartphones are where much of the potential is, capitalizing on consumers’ increasing comfort with using phones or an app to settle a restaurant bill, book a car or quickly send money to a friend.

— chad bray, New York Times, "Worldpay Group, a British Payments Processor, Fields Two Possible Takeover Bids", 4 July 2017
Kidspace Children’s Museum capitalizes on their appeal with two days of nail-biting races.

— marielle wakim, Los Angeles Magazine, "Here Is a List of 12 Things You Must Do in July", 29 June 2017
The segment illustrates how Sekulow, the most visible member of the legal team defending Trump in the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, is poised to capitalize on his new role.

— chris stirewalt, Fox News, "A struggling bill needs a super salesman", 28 June 2017
The league heavily flirted with expanding in 2016, mainly to capitalize on a clause that would have resulted in significant extra revenue, but ultimately decided to stand pat at 10 members after ESPN and FOX were very against the idea.

— john talty, AL.com, "SEC Expansion: Why the Big 12 is the key to SEC adding more schools", 27 June 2017
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A rhino breeder in South Africa is planning an online auction of rhino horn, capitalizing on a court ruling that opened the way to domestic trade despite an international ban that was imposed to curb widespread poaching.

— christopher torchia, The Seattle Times, "Rhino breeder in South Africa plans online auction of horn", 26 June 2017
The train station that put Keller on the map more than a century ago is long gone but a new restaurant called the Station Patio Icehouse wants to capitalize on that history.

— nicholas sakelaris, star-telegram, "Station Patio Icehouse taking stake in Old Town Keller", 23 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'capitalize'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of capitalize

see ³capital

NEW!

First Known Use: 1764

See Words from the same year

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

CAPITALIZE Defined for English Language Learners

capitalize

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verb

Definition of capitalize for English Language Learners

: to use a capital letter to write, print, or type (a letter of the alphabet)
: to begin (a word or name) with a capital letter
: to provide the money that is needed to start or develop (a business)

CAPITALIZE Defined for Kids

capitalize

play

verb cap·i·tal·ize \ˈka-pə-tə-ˌlīz\

Definition of capitalize for Students

capitalized

;

capitalizing

1 : to write with a beginning capital letter or in all capital letters
2 : to provide money needed to start or develop (a business)
3 : to gain by turning something to advantage The winner capitalized on his opponent's mistakes.

capitalization

\ˌka-pə-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

Law Dictionary

capitalize

play

transitive verb cap·i·tal·ize \ˈka-pət-^əl-ˌīz\

Legal Definition of capitalize

capitalized

capitalizing

1a : 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
2a : 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