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

But if Democrats are eager to distance themselves broadly from what played out in the last election, O'Malley may be able to capitalize in an attempt to be seen as more of an outsider than his main competitors. —Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024

Now private equity and venture capital enterprises such as College Sports Tomorrow, Smash Capital and Collegiate Athletics Solutions are looking to buy in, and the schools with the most valuable athletic programs sit in the best position to capitalize. —Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024

But every time the Colts’ defense stood tall, the offense failed to capitalize. —Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024

Despite forcing six turnovers on five steals, UConn struggled to capitalize with just four points off of turnovers to Notre Dame’s seven. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 13 Dec. 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