capitalize

cap·i·tal·ize

verb

To capitalize is to use capital letters, to try to take advantage of or gain some advantage from something, or to provide funding.

When you start a word with a capital letter, this is an example of when you capitalize the first letter.
When your boss makes a mistake and you take the opportunity to try to get his job, this is an example of a time when you capitalize on his mistake.
When you provide the funding for a start-up company to get off the ground, this is an example of a time when you capitalize the company.

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"capitalize." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/capitalize>.

APA Style

capitalize. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/capitalize

capitalize

transitive verb

-·ized·, -·iz·ing

to use as capital; convert into capital
to calculate the present value of (a periodical payment, annuity, income, etc.); convert (an income, etc.) into one payment or sum equivalent to the computed present value
to establish the capital stock of (a business firm) at a certain figure
to convert (floating debt) into stock or shares
to supply capital to or for (an enterprise)
to print or write (a word or words) in capital letters
to begin (a word) with a capital letter
Accounting to set up (expenditures) as assets

capitalize Idioms

capitalize on something

to use something to one's own advantage or profit

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MLA Style

"capitalize." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/capitalize>.

APA Style

capitalize. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/capitalize

capitalize

verb

cap·i·tal·ized, cap·i·tal·iz·ing, cap·i·tal·iz·es

verb

transitive

To use as or convert into capital.
To supply with capital or investment funds: capitalize a new business.
To authorize the issue of a certain amount of capital stock of: capitalize a corporation.
To convert (debt) into capital stock or shares.
To calculate the current value of (a future stream of earnings or cash flows).
To include (expenditures) in business accounts as assets instead of expenses.
a. To write or print in capital letters.
b. To begin a word with a capital letter.

verb

intransitive

To turn something to one's advantage; benefit: capitalize on an opponent's error.

Related Forms:

cap′i·tal·iz′a·ble
adjective

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"capitalize." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/capitalize>.

APA Style

capitalize. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/capitalize

Verb

(third-person singular simple present capitalizes, present participle capitalizing, simple past and past participle capitalized)

In writing or editing, to write (something: either an entire word or text, or just the initial letter(s) thereof) in capital letters, in upper case.
In German, all nouns are capitalized.
(business, finance) To contribute or acquire capital (money or other resources) for.
Some states require proof that a new venture is properly capitalized before the state will issue a certificate of incorporation.
(finance) To convert into capital, ie to get cash or similar immediately fungible resources for some less fungible property or source of future income.
If we obtain a loan using the business as collateral, the effect will be to capitalize our next ten years of income, giving us cash today that we can use to buy out our competitor.
(accounting, taxation) To treat as capital, not as an expense.
(intransitive) To profit or to obtain an advantage.
The home team took several shots on goal but was unable to capitalize until late in the game.
(intransitive, followed by on) To seize, as an opportunity; to obtain a benefit; to invest on something profitable.
The home team appeared to have the advantage throughout the game, and finally capitalized on their opponents' weakness with just two minutes remaining, scoring several points in quick succession.