capitalize

verb

cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈka-pə-tə-ˌlīz 

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

Synonyms

• bankroll
• endow
• finance
• fund
• stake
• subsidize
• underwrite

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

Safety Geno Stone stepped in front of Tee Higgins for a critical interception on the first drive of the second half, and Jackson capitalized with a touchdown drive highlighted by a spectacular 52-yard connection with spectacular rookie Zay Flowers. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 17 Sep. 2023

Against a very breakable WKU defensive front, those five guys opened up more significant holes, and the backfield capitalized. —Nathan Baird, cleveland, 16 Sep. 2023

Jesuit had some prime opportunities but could not capitalize. —Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas News, 16 Sep. 2023

Madison, however, failed to capitalize when a 29-yard field goal try sailed wide left. —John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Sep. 2023

In the eighth, the Tigers, thanks to more production from Torkelson and Carpenter, capitalized with a three-run inning to tie the game. —Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 22 Aug. 2023

In the bottom of the sixth, the final inning in regulation, Bend North got runners on first and second with one out but couldn’t capitalize. —oregonlive, 8 Aug. 2023

The Broadway production alone was capitalized for up to $35.5 million, a record for any play on Broadway, in addition to $33.3 million the production spent to clear out and redo the Lyric Theatre in a Harry Potter theme. —Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2023

Under Armour plans more collaborative products Under Armour plans to capitalize more on the popularity of athletes on its roster. —Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 29 Aug. 2023

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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

Phrases Containing capitalize

• capitalize on

• capitalize on

Kids Definition

capitalize

verb

cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈkap-ət-ᵊl-ˌīz 

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 

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