Words / B2

KAP-it-uh-lyz/ˈkæpɪtəlaɪz/

To capitalise is to write a letter as a capital, to provide money for a firm, or to take advantage (capitalise on) (British -ise): capitalise a title; capitalise on a finding. Capital is the noun (already in the dictionary). Capitalise on the source, then name the figure. Mix-up: capitol (US building); capitalise vs capitalise as “shout in caps”. Do not shout whole sentences in capitals in a write-up.

Meaning

To write a letter as a capital; also to provide money for a firm, or to take advantage of something (capitalise on).

Examples

• “Capitalise on the source, then name the figure; do not shout in capitals.”
• “The start-up was capitalised by a grant, which is the provide-money sense.”

Good to know

capitalise on; capitalise a letter / title; capitalised. Noun: capital. US: capitalize. Trap: capitol. Essays, business, and literacy. Use capitals, fund a firm, or turn something into an advantage — specify.

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