capital

UK: ˈkæp.ɪ.təl | US: ˈkæp.ə.t̬əl

Definition

  1. n. a city serving as the seat of government

  2. n. wealth in the form of money or assets

  3. adj. most important or influential

  4. adj. relating to the death penalty

Structure
capit <head>al <adjective/noun suffix>
Etymology

capital = capit<head> + al<adjective/noun suffix>

  • capit: From Latin caput (head), referring to leadership, importance, or the "head" of a column (in architecture).
  • al: A suffix forming adjectives or nouns, indicating relation or pertaining to (e.g., personal, natural).

Etymology Origin:
The word capital traces back to Latin capitālis (of the head), derived from caput (head). Its meanings evolved logically:

  1. Geopolitical: The "head" city of a region (e.g., capital city).
  2. Financial: Wealth as the "head" or foundation of economic activity.
  3. Legal: Capital punishment originally meant execution by beheading.
Examples

  1. Paris is the capital of France.

  2. The company raised enough capital to expand its operations.

  3. Honesty is a capital virtue in many cultures.

  4. The judge ruled out the death penalty for non-capital crimes.

  5. The Roman columns featured ornate capital designs.