Uncapitalize - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

writing style

To change the first letter of a word from uppercase to lowercase.

Synonyms

decapitalize, lowercase.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
uncapitalize	Use this word when you specifically want to mention changing a capital letter to a lowercase letter, often in technical or programming contexts. Please uncapitalize the first letter to match the formatting guidelines. Make sure to uncapitalize all titles in the database.
lowercase	This is a widely used term in both general and technical contexts when you are referring to changing letters from uppercase to lowercase. It's more universally understood and frequently used. Please lowercase the entire text for consistency. In coding, make sure to lowercase all variable names.
decapitalize	This term is less commonly used but can refer to making a capital letter lowercase. It is also often found in technical contexts or formal writing. The function will decapitalize the input string. Decapitalize the first word in each sentence for this exercise.

Word

Description / Examples

uncapitalize

Use this word when you specifically want to mention changing a capital letter to a lowercase letter, often in technical or programming contexts.

Please uncapitalize the first letter to match the formatting guidelines.
Make sure to uncapitalize all titles in the database.

lowercase

This is a widely used term in both general and technical contexts when you are referring to changing letters from uppercase to lowercase. It's more universally understood and frequently used.

Please lowercase the entire text for consistency.
In coding, make sure to lowercase all variable names.

decapitalize

This term is less commonly used but can refer to making a capital letter lowercase. It is also often found in technical contexts or formal writing.

The function will decapitalize the input string.
Decapitalize the first word in each sentence for this exercise.

Examples of usage

Remember to uncapitalize the first letter of each word in the title.
She accidentally uncapitalized the proper noun in her essay.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

In standard English grammar, proper nouns, such as names and places, start with capital letters, while common nouns do not.
The rules governing capitalization can vary significantly between different languages, indicating cultural preferences in writing.

Digital Culture

Social media often sees users creating text in all lowercase to convey a casual tone or to express a lack of formal education.
The rise of texting and online communication has led to the emergence of informal writing styles where capitalization rules are sometimes ignored.

Education

Teaching about capitalization and its opposite, uncapitalization, is often part of early writing education in schools.
Understanding the difference between capital and lowercase letters helps children learn proper spelling and grammar.

Graphic Design

In typography, using all capital letters is often associated with emphasis or shouting, while lowercase may be considered more approachable.
Graphic designers often choose between uppercase and lowercase letters for logo designs to convey specific brand feelings or identities.

Origin of 'uncapitalize'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from 'capital', which refers to uppercase letters, originating from the Latin word 'capitale', meaning 'head'.
Changing letters from capital to lowercase is part of the broader study of linguistics and typographical conventions.

The word 'uncapitalize' is a modern term derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'reverse' and 'capitalize' which means to write or print in capital letters. It is commonly used in the context of computer programming and writing to specify the action of converting the first letter of a word from uppercase to lowercase.

Uncapitalize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations