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Cap: meaning, definitions and examples

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cap

 

[kæp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

headwear

A cap is a type of hat, typically with a visor and a rounded crown. Caps are often worn as a fashion accessory or as part of a uniform. They can be made from various materials such as cotton, wool, or polyester.

Synonyms

beanie, hat, headgear.

Examples of usage

  • He always wears a baseball cap backwards.
  • She put on her cap to shield her face from the sun.
Context #2 | Noun

academic

In academia, a cap refers to the headgear worn during graduation ceremonies. It is often associated with a tassel that signifies the graduate's field of study.

Synonyms

graduation hat, mortarboard, tassel cap.

Examples of usage

  • The graduates threw their caps in the air in celebration.
  • She proudly wore her cap and gown to receive her diploma.
Context #3 | Verb

limit

To cap something means to set a limit or restrict it. It is often used in the context of capping expenses, capping prices, or capping the number of participants.

Synonyms

control, limit, restrict.

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to cap the number of attendees at the event.
  • The government capped the maximum price for the new medicine.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Latin 'cappa,' meaning a hooded cloak, which shows how head coverings have evolved.
  • In Middle English, 'cappe' referred to various types of hats, showcasing the word's versatility over time.
  • Cap has been used in different languages, such as 'kap' in German or 'cive' in French, indicating its widespread use in culture.

Fashion

  • Caps have evolved from purely functional headgear to fashion statements, often worn with casual outfits.
  • Baseball caps became popular in the early 20th century and are now a global icon of sports and casual style.
  • Different cultures have their unique variations of caps, such as the 'beret' in France and the 'kufi' in West Africa.

Historical Significance

  • During the 18th century, caps were worn by men and women alike, often embroidered and decorated to reflect social status.
  • The 'Phrygian cap,' known as the liberty cap, became a symbol of freedom during the French Revolution.
  • World War I pilots wore leather caps to protect themselves from cold and wind, which influenced aviation fashion.

Science

  • There are scientific terms that use 'cap' such as 'capillary action,' which describes how liquids move in tiny spaces.
  • In the field of genetics, a 'cap' refers to a modification on the end of RNA molecules, crucial for protein creation.
  • Caps can refer to protective covers in mechanical systems, playing an essential role in preventing damage and contamination.

Pop Culture

  • Caps have made appearances in various movies, like the iconic baseball cap worn by characters in 'A League of Their Own.'
  • In music culture, many artists, such as hip-hop performers, frequently wear caps as part of their signature style.
  • The phrase 'no cap' has emerged in recent slang, meaning 'no lie' or to be truthful, showing how language evolves.

Translations

Translations of the word "cap" in other languages:

🇵🇹 boné

🇮🇳 टोपी

🇩🇪 Mütze

🇮🇩 topi

🇺🇦 кепка

🇵🇱 czapka

🇯🇵 帽子 (ぼうし)

🇫🇷 casquette

🇪🇸 gorra

🇹🇷 şapka

🇰🇷 모자

🇸🇦 قبعة

🇨🇿 čepice

🇸🇰 čiapka

🇨🇳 帽子 (màozi)

🇸🇮 kapa

🇮🇸 húfa

🇰🇿 баски

🇬🇪 ქუდი

🇦🇿 papaq

🇲🇽 gorra

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,640, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.