Word
capitalized
Phoneticscap·i·tal·ized, stress on the first syllable
/ˈkæpɪtəˌɫaɪzd/
UK spelling · capitalised
Definition
adj. written with a big letter at the start, like 'London' instead of 'london'. It can also describe a company that has been given the money it needs to operate.
adj. written or printed in upper-case letters. In a financial context, it describes a business entity that has been provided with capital or has its value converted into stock.
Examples
“Proper nouns like names must always be capitalized.”
“The editor reminded the writer that job titles should only be capitalized when they precede a specific name.”
“The startup remained well capitalized throughout the fiscal year, allowing it to expand into international markets without seeking additional venture funding.”
Examples
simple
“Proper nouns like names must always be capitalized.”
contextual
“The editor reminded the writer that job titles should only be capitalized when they precede a specific name.”
complex
“The startup remained well capitalized throughout the fiscal year, allowing it to expand into international markets without seeking additional venture funding.”
Usage
Often used as a participial adjective to describe the orthographic state of a word or the financial state of a company.
Pitfall
The city is capitalized.
The name of the city is capitalized.
You capitalize the word or the name, not the physical place or object itself.
Real-World Examples
“Zverev had not lost to Shelton in their five previous meetings and immediately capitalised on a nervy start by his opponent.” “In its famous first line, “We the People of the United States,” the “U” in “United” is capitalized once and for all.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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