What is capital? Pronunciation and usage in English

capital means . Learn how to pronounce and use capital through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of capital

capitalnoun

/ˈkapɪtl/
Definition & pronunciation of capital

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "capital" in English. There are a couple of common ways, and both are considered correct!

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • kəˈpɪtəl (kah-PIT-ul)
    • kə: Like the "ca" in "car" but shorter. It's a very quick, almost silent "uh" sound.
    • PIT: Rhymes with "kit" or "bit." The emphasis is on this syllable.
    • ul: Like the "ul" in "umbrella."

2. The Traditional Pronunciation (British English):

  • ˈkæpɪtəl (KAP-i-tul)
    • ˈkæp: The emphasis is here, sounding like "cap." The "a" is a short "a" sound, like in "cat."
    • ɪtəl: Like "it" + "ul".

Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

Feature American English British English
Emphasis First syllable (kə-) Second syllable (ˈkæp-)
First Syllable Quick "uh" sound More pronounced "cap" sound

Resources to Hear the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type “capital” and click the speaker icon. (This will usually give you the American pronunciation). https://translate.google.com/
  • Forvo: A website dedicated to pronunciation. https://forvo.com/word/capital/ (You'll hear both American and British pronunciations here.)
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce capital" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you located? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia) - This will help me determine which pronunciation is more likely to be considered correct for you.

Usage and examples with the word capital in English

Let's break down how to use the word "capital" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Capital (as in City - The Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: The primary city of a country, state, or region, where the government is located.
  • Example: "London is the capital of the United Kingdom."
  • Synonyms: Headquarters, seat of government.
  • Usage Note: Often followed by "of" (e.g., "the capital of France").

2. Capital (as in Money - Wealth)

  • Definition: Wealth or assets owned by an individual or company. It's the starting point for investments and business.
  • Example: "She used her capital to start a new business."
  • Example: "The company’s capital was significantly reduced after the losses."
  • Synonyms: Assets, funds, resources, holdings.

3. Capital (as in a Quality or Skill - Chief Characteristic)

  • Definition: The most important or defining characteristic of something. It’s what makes something strong or successful.
  • Example: "His capital talent was his ability to connect with people." (Meaning his most important talent).
  • Example: "The party’s capital strategy was attracting young voters.” (Meaning the key strategy).
  • Synonyms: Strength, core, essence, key.

4. Capital (as in Interest or Return - Yield)

  • Definition: The amount of money earned on an investment or loan. Think of it as the ‘return’ you get.
  • Example: "The bank offered a capital rate of 5% on the savings account."
  • Synonyms: Interest, yield, return.

5. Capital (as in Capacity - Ability)

  • Definition: Ability, power, or capacity – often referring to a mental or physical skill.
  • Example: "She has a great capital to learn new languages quickly." (meaning a natural ability)
  • Synonyms: Power, ability, skill, capacity.

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Meaning Definition Example
City The main city of a place "Rome is the capital of Italy."
Money Wealth or assets "He invested his capital wisely."
Quality/Skill The most important characteristic "Her capital skill was writing."
Interest/Return The profit earned on an investment "The fund provided a high capital rate."
Capacity Ability, power, or capacity “He has the capital to manage the project.”

Tips for Using "Capital" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "capital" is determined by the context of the sentence.
  • Be specific: If you’re talking about a city, say “the capital of [country].” If you're talking about money, clarify what kind of capital (e.g., “investment capital,” “personal capital”).

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., "I'm writing about cities," "I'm talking about investing," "I'm describing a person")

Synonyms for the word capital

Idioms of the word capital

make capital (out) of something
to use a situation for your own advantage
  • The opposition parties are making political capital out of the government's problems.

Practice with vocabulary capital

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Paris is the _____ of France, known for its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
  2. The company invested a significant amount of _____ to expand its operations.
  3. The idea was presented with great _____ and enthusiasm, captivating the audience.
  4. The entrepreneur raised enough _____ to launch her startup successfully.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following is the primary city of a country?
    a) Metropolis
    b) Capital
    c) Region
    d) District

  2. What is needed to start a business economically?
    a) Labor
    b) Funding
    c) Capital
    d) Resources

  3. Which term refers to a city where the government is located?
    a) Hub
    b) Capital
    c) Center
    d) Municipality

  4. What is another word for a "financial asset"?
    a) Investment
    b) Capital
    c) Currency
    d) Profit

  5. Which word means "to make the most of something"?
    a) Utilize
    b) Maximize
    c) Capitalize
    d) Exploit

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The CEO emphasized the importance of securing funds for the project.
    → The CEO emphasized the importance of securing capital for the project.

  2. London is the main city of the United Kingdom.
    → London is the capital of the United Kingdom.

  3. The team decided to take advantage of the new opportunity.
    → The team decided to capitalize on the new opportunity.

Answers:

Exercise 1:

  1. capital
  2. capital
  3. energy
  4. funding

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Capital
  2. c) Capital
  3. b) Capital
  4. a) Investment
  5. c) Capitalize

Exercise 3:

  1. The CEO emphasized the importance of securing capital for the project.
  2. London is the capital of the United Kingdom.
  3. The team decided to capitalize on the new opportunity.

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