Word
capped
US/ˈkæpt/
UK/kˈæpt/
Definitions
01to limit an amount
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to set a maximum limit on an amount of money or a number.
v. to place an upper limit on a price, rate, or quantity. Often used in passive constructions regarding finance or policy.
“The government capped energy prices to help families with their monthly bills.”
“The regulatory body capped the interest rates that lenders could charge, aiming to protect vulnerable consumers from predatory debt cycles.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice: 'The budget was capped at five million dollars.'
Antonyms
02to cover the top
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to put a lid or a cover on the top of something.
v. to provide a fitting or protective covering for the top or end of an object.
“She capped the bottle tightly so the juice wouldn't spill in her bag.”
“The engineers capped the abandoned oil well with a heavy steel plate to prevent any further environmental leakage into the surrounding soil.”
03having a top or limit
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having a cover on top, or having a fixed limit that cannot be passed.
adj. characterised by a physical cap or a predetermined maximum threshold.
“The snow-capped mountains looked beautiful in the early morning sun.”
“The investment offers a capped return, meaning you cannot earn more than a specific percentage regardless of market performance.”
Antonyms
04to finish or follow
C1 · Advanced Literary
v. to finish an event with something even better or more impressive.
v. to follow or conclude an event with a final, often superior, action or achievement.
“He capped his amazing performance by winning the gold medal.”
“The team capped a remarkable season by securing the championship title in a dramatic final match that went into overtime.”
Teaching tip
This sense is often used to describe a 'crowning achievement' or a final positive touch to a series of events.
Real-World Examples
“He has been capped by his country at every age group and was in the same under-16s team as Jude Bellingham.” “Torp capped the scoring, thrashing the spot-kick into the top corner.” - 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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