How to pronounce capitalize
Say it like KAP-uh-tuh-lyze. Capitalize has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce capitalize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAP
- uh
- tuh
- lyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Capitalize pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lyzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of capitalize
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KAP-uh-tuh-lyze.
What does capitalize mean?
- In writing or editing, to write (something: either an entire word or text, or just the initial letter(s) thereof) in capital letters, in upper case.“In German, all nouns are capitalized.”
- To contribute or acquire capital (money or other resources) for.“Some states require proof that a new venture is properly capitalized before the state will issue a certificate of incorporation.”
- To convert into capital, i.e., to get cash or similar immediately fungible resources for some less fungible property or source of future income.
Where does capitalize come from?
From capital + -ize, the first element ultimately from Latin capitālis (“of the head”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- capitalise
Questions about saying capitalize
How do you pronounce capitalize?
Say KAP-uh-tuh-lyze. The American pronunciation is /ˈkæpətəˌlaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈkæpətəˌlaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in capitalize?
Capitalize has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAP). Broken into parts: KAP · uh · tuh · lyze.
Is capitalize pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈkæpətəˌlaɪz/ (KAP-uh-tuh-lyze).