Capitalization Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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capitalization
[ˌkapɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃən ]
Definitions
in writing
The act of capitalizing words; the state of being capitalized.
Synonyms
capital letter, majuscule, uppercase.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| capitalization |
This term is often used in a grammatical context referring to the act or process of writing or printing in capital letters. It's also used in finance to describe the total market value of a company's outstanding shares.
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| uppercase |
Frequently used in digital and printing industries to describe letters that are larger and typically used for emphasis or titles. It's a straightforward and commonly understood term.
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| majuscule |
A more formal or technical term used in typography and paleography. It refers to large letters that are often used for emphasis.
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| capital letter |
Commonly used in everyday language and educational contexts to describe the larger, uppercase form of a letter in the alphabet.
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Examples of usage
- In English, capitalization rules can vary depending on the context.
- Proper capitalization is important for clarity in written communication.
economics
The provision of capital for a company or enterprise.
Synonyms
financing, funding, investment.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| capitalization |
Typically used in business and financial contexts to describe the process of providing capital (funds) to a business. It can also refer to the total value of a company's shares on the stock market.
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| financing |
Refers to the act of providing funds for business activities, making purchases, or investing. It often involves banks, investors, or other financial institutions.
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| funding |
Used to talk about the money provided for a particular purpose, often in the context of startups, projects, research, or public causes. It can come from various sources like investors, grants, or donations.
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| investment |
Generally means putting money into something (like stocks, real estate, or a business) with the expectation of future profit. It’s a broad term used in both personal and business finance.
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Examples of usage
- Venture capitalists play a crucial role in the capitalization of startups.
- The capitalization of a business can determine its growth and success.
accounting
The process of converting income into a value based on the expected rate of return.
Synonyms
appraisal, capital structure, valuation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| capitalization |
Similarly used as the first entry, but may also refer to recording a cost/expense as a fixed asset instead of an immediate expense in accounting.
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| valuation |
Most commonly refers to the process of determining the present value of an asset or a company using various methods.
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| appraisal |
Used both in financial and non-financial contexts to refer to evaluating or estimating the value or performance of something.
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| capital structure |
Used in finance to discuss how a corporation finances its overall operations and growth by using different sources of funds such as debt, equity, or hybrid securities.
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Examples of usage
- Capitalization allows companies to assess the long-term value of their investments.
- The capitalization of expenses can impact a company's financial statements.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Grammar
- In English, capitalization often signals the importance of certain words, like proper nouns or the first word of a sentence.
- Different languages have different rules for capitalization, which can lead to interesting variations in writing styles worldwide.
- Capital letters can also convey emphasis in informal writing, such as all caps used in digital communication to express shouting.
Technology
- Software and programming languages often have specific rules for capitalization, affecting how code is written and functions.
- Many text-processing programs include grammar checkers that alert users when capitalization rules are not followed.
- In social media and online communication, capitalization can alter the tone of messages, like coming off as aggressive or formal.
Cultural Significance
- Different cultures may emphasize certain capitalized words differently, affecting understandings of titles and honorifics in various languages.
- Capitalization can reflect societal norms, such as the importance placed on certain figures or institutions by highlighting their names.
Art and Literature
- Authors sometimes play with capitalization in creative writing to evoke tone or draw attention to particular concepts.
- In poetry, capitalizing words can create emphasis, rhythm, or unexpected layers of meaning.
Origin of 'capitalization'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from Latin 'caput', meaning 'head', referring to the first letter being the 'head' of the word.
- The suffix '-ization' implies the process of making something a particular way, highlighting that capitalization is a method of writing.
- The first recorded use of this concept in English dates back to the 14th century, illustrating its long-standing presence in written communication.
The term 'capitalization' originated from the Latin word 'capitalis', meaning 'of the head' or 'chief'. In the context of writing, the rules of capitalization have evolved over time to distinguish proper nouns, sentence beginnings, and emphasis. In economics, capitalization refers to the process of providing financial resources for businesses to grow and expand. In accounting, capitalization involves the conversion of expenses into assets to reflect their long-term value. The concept of capitalization is essential in various fields to ensure clarity, growth, and financial stability.
See also: capitalism, capitalist, capitalistic, capitalized, capitalizing, undercapitalization.