ENGLISH
REFERENCE

capitol

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkæpɪtəɫ// UK //kˈæpɪtəl// capi·tol Archaic

n. the building where a government meets to make laws. In the United States, it usually refers to the famous white-domed building in Washington, D.C.

n. the building in which a legislative body meets. When capitalised and used without a modifier in a U.S. context, it refers specifically to the meeting place of the United States Congress in Washington, D.C.


SIMPLE

The senators walked toward the Capitol for the vote.

CONTEXTUAL

Protesters gathered on the steps of the state Capitol to demand changes to the new education law.

COMPLEX

The neoclassical architecture of the Capitol serves as a symbolic representation of democratic ideals, housing the chambers where federal legislation is debated and enacted.

Origin

From Middle English Capitolie, in historical sense, from Latin Capitōlium. Other meanings from specific instances of capitol, q.v. As a French town hall, a calque of French Capitole.

Usage

Almost always capitalised when referring to a specific government building; distinct from 'capital', which refers to the city itself.

Pitfall

Washington is the capitol of the US.Washington is the capital of the US.Learners confuse 'capitol' (the building) with 'capital' (the city or seat of government).

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