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

The show, which was capitalized for up to $25 million, made less than $400,000 in the most recent three weeks of its run, which was far below the numbers needed to support a musical of that size. —Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024

Both drivers made errors that were capitalized upon by their competitors. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

This shock-the-monkey approach might have a sliver of merit if the U.S. economy were self-sufficient in renewables and if the autocrats weren’t poised to capitalize by filling the vacuum with their far more carbon-intensive oil and gas and less environmentally friendly refining techniques. —Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

The Yanks have had baserunners in every inning so far, but haven’t been able to capitalize. —Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 26 Oct. 2024

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

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