capitalize
UK: ˈkæp.ɪ.təl.aɪz | US: ˈkæp.ə.t̬əl.aɪz
vt. 1. To write or print a word with its first letter as a capital.
vt. 2. To take advantage of an opportunity or resource.
vt. 3. (Finance) To convert debt or assets into capital.
capitalize = capital<wealth, head> + ize<verb suffix>
- capital: From Latin caput (head), referring to wealth (originally "head of cattle" as a measure of wealth) or the "head" of a column (uppercase letters).
- ize: A verb-forming suffix from Greek -izein, indicating "to make" or "to act upon."
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin caput (head), which evolved into capitalis (relating to the head). In medieval times, "capital" denoted wealth (livestock being a primary asset). The verb capitalize emerged in the 18th century, initially meaning "to write in capital letters" (emphasizing the "head" of a word) and later expanding to financial contexts (converting assets into "head" resources).
Always capitalize the first word of a sentence.
The company aims to capitalize on emerging markets.
They decided to capitalize the loan to reduce monthly payments.
She forgot to capitalize proper nouns in her essay.
Entrepreneurs must capitalize on trends to stay competitive.