Caps Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
caps
[kรฆps ]
Definition
written
Letters of the alphabet that are written in uppercase (capital) form.
Synonyms
capital letters, uppercase letters.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| caps |
Short for 'capital letters' and often used in informal and spoken language. It can also be used in instructions where brevity is important.
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| capital letters |
Used in general and educational contexts to refer to uppercase letters. It is a neutral term and suitable for both formal and informal communication.
|
| uppercase letters |
Often used in technical, graphic design, and typographical contexts. It is a precise term that specifies the larger version of letters and is suitable for formal documentation and detailed explanations.
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Examples of usage
- Please write your name in all caps on the form.
- The headline was in caps to grab attention.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Fashion
- Caps, like baseball caps, became popular in the 19th century as part of American sportswear.
- The 'flat cap' was originally popular among working-class British men, symbolizing a connection to rural life.
Technology
- In computer terminology, 'caps' can refer to CAPTCHAs, which are tests used to determine whether a user is a human.
- The phrase 'CAPS LOCK' on keyboards indicates when letters are typed in uppercase, commonly used for emphasis.
Sports
- In sports, a 'cap' often signifies an appearance in a game, especially in soccer, where players earn caps for representing their country.
- The England national football team has caps awarded since the late 19th century to celebrate players' international matches.
Science
- In medicine, 'caps' can refer to capsules, which are used to hold medicines in a form thatโs easy to swallow.
- Caps are also the upper part of fungi, like mushrooms, which play a key role in reproduction and spore distribution.
Origin of 'caps'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cap' comes from the Latin word 'cappa,' which means 'hood' or 'covering.'
- In Old English, 'cรฆppe' was also used to refer to a type of head covering.
The term 'caps' originated from the Latin word 'capitฤlis', which means 'of the head' or 'chief'. It was first used in English to refer to capital letters in the 18th century. Over time, 'caps' became a common abbreviation for uppercase letters, especially in the context of writing and printing.
See also: cap, capable, capacity, cape, caplet, capstone, recap.