capitalize

English

Alternative forms

• capitalise (mainly UK English)

Etymology

capital +‎ -ize

Verb

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

1. (transitive) In writing or editing, to write in capital letters, in upper case, either the entire word or text, or just the initial letter(s) thereof.

   In English, proper nouns should always be capitalized.

2. (transitive, 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.

3. (transitive, 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.

4. (transitive, accounting, taxation) To treat as capital, not as an expense.
5. (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.

6. (intransitive, followed by on) To seize, as an opportunity; to obtain a benefit.

   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.

Related terms

• capitalizable
• capitalization

See also

• market capitalization on Wikipedia.Wikipedia:market capitalization