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

But flow reversal capitalizes on the amazing redundancy of the brain’s blood supply.

— paul sisson, sandiegouniontribune.com, "New technique prevents strokes by reversing blood flow through brain", 2 June 2017
Friday’s announcement by Kenneth G. Furton, provost and executive vice president of Florida International University, capitalizes on Gladstone’s institutional experience in the acting directorship and previously, as its director of development.

— jane wooldridge, miamiherald, "Jewish Museum of Florida names familiar face as new director", 2 June 2017
Marston was capitalizing on one of his time’s many similarities to our own: His was an age that, too, was anxious about the future of truth.

— megan garber, The Atlantic, "Wonder Woman, Heroine of the Post-Truth Age", 1 June 2017
Proving again that the quality of their shots on goal matters more than the quantity, the Pittsburgh Penguins flattened the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final by capitalizing on their prime scoring chances.

— helene elliott, chicagotribune.com, "Penguins take two-game lead over Predators in Stanley Cup Final", 31 May 2017
May called the snap election last month, seeking to capitalize on Corbyn’s unpopularity to build a historically large majority ahead of negotiations with the European Union.

— michael birnbaum, Washington Post, "May and Corbyn trade barbs in runup to British election", 29 May 2017
Given Northwest Indiana's proximity to Chicago, investing in commuter systems will give residents a chance to capitalize on the opportunities in the city but still reside in Indiana.

— craig lyons, Post-Tribune, "Mayor: Legislative session 'more good than bad'", 27 May 2017
Gianforte’s victory was a setback for Democrats who hoped to capitalize on Trump’s low approval ratings, unpopular Republican health-care legislation, and the misdemeanor assault charge.

— arit john, Bloomberg.com, "Montana Republican Wins U.S. House Seat After Assault Charge", 26 May 2017
The farmers are hoping to capitalize on a variety of changing factors abroad and here, including the aging of California’s avocado trees, which are producing less fruit.

— stephanie strom, New York Times, "Your Coffee Is From Where? California?", 26 May 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