# capitalize

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈkæpətəˌlaɪz/ · frequency rank #18,513

## Definitions
1. In writing or editing, to write (something: either an entire word or text, or just the initial letter(s) thereof) in capital letters, in upper case.
2. To contribute or acquire capital (money or other resources) for.
3. To convert into capital, i.e., to get cash or similar immediately fungible resources for some less fungible property or source of future income.
4. To treat as capital, not as an expense.
5. To profit or to obtain an advantage.
6. To seize, as an opportunity; to obtain a benefit from; to invest on something profitable.

## Etymology
From capital + -ize, the first element ultimately from Latin capitālis (“of the head”).

## Easily confused with
- **capitalism** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/capitalism-vs-capitalize)
- **capitalist** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/capitalist-vs-capitalize)
- **capitalise** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/capitalise-vs-capitalize)

## Common misspellings (14)
`acpitalize`, `caiptalize`, `capiatlize`, `capitailze`, `capitaliez`, `capitalizze`, `capitallize`, `capitalzie`, `capitlaize`, `capittalize`, `cappitalize`, `captialize`, `ccapitalize`, `cpaitalize`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/capitalize