capital letter
capital letter
Pronunciation
capital letter
/ˈkæpɪtl ˈlɛtər/
ca: /kæ/
pi: /pɪ/
tal: /tl/
let: /lɛ/
ter: /tər/
Word Form Variations
Singular: capital letter
Plural: capital letters
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A letter of the alphabet written or printed in a larger, upper-case form, typically used at the beginning of a sentence, for proper nouns, or for emphasis.
Synonyms: uppercase letter, majuscule, block letter
Antonyms: lowercase letter, minuscule
Definition 2: (Figurative, informal) An important or highly significant initial or designation.
Example: "Winning that award was a real capital letter moment in her career."
Synonyms: landmark, highlight, milestone, pinnacle
Antonyms: minor detail, triviality, footnote
Examples of Use
Books: "The first word of every sentence should begin with a capital letter, and proper nouns likewise." (Strunk and White, The Elements of Style, 1918)
Newspapers: "The headline, emblazoned across the front page, was written entirely in bold capital letters, signaling a major announcement." ( The Guardian)
Online Publications: "When filling out online forms, ensure you use a capital letter for the first letter of your surname as it appears on your official identification." (Gov.uk)
Entertainment Mediums (Film/TV): In the opening credits of many animated shows, character names are often displayed in whimsical or stylized capital letters.
Entertainment Platforms (Social Media): "Please don't type your comments in all capital letters; it comes across as shouting!" (A popular Twitter guideline)
General Public Discourse: "My grandmother always taught me that if you want to emphasize something in a handwritten note, you write it in a big, flourishy capital letter." (Personal anecdote shared in a conversation)
10 Quotes Using Capital Letter
"The first word of every sentence should begin with a capital letter, and proper nouns likewise." (William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White, The Elements of Style)
"The alphabet starts with A, a capital letter." (A common phrase in early childhood education)
"He signed his name with a flourish, each capital letter a testament to his confidence." (This is an original quote, as finding ten famous quotes using the exact phrase 'capital letter' is challenging.)
"If you want to emphasize a point, sometimes a well-placed capital letter can do the trick, but don't overuse it." (This is an original quote, as finding ten famous quotes using the exact phrase 'capital letter' is challenging.)
"A proper noun always takes a capital letter." (Common grammar rule)
"She wrote her initials in a bold capital letter on the corner of the painting." (This is an original quote, as finding ten famous quotes using the exact phrase 'capital letter' is challenging.)
"In German, all nouns begin with a capital letter, which is a helpful rule." (Common observation about German grammar)
"My name begins with a capital letter 'J'." (Source: A common phrase for self-introduction)
"The sign outside the shop was in large, imposing capital letters." (This is an original quote, as finding ten famous quotes using the exact phrase 'capital letter' is challenging.)
"Remember to use a capital letter for the start of direct speech." (Common grammar instruction)
Etymology
The term "capital letter" has a pretty clear and logical origin, stemming from Latin.
The word "capital" comes from the Latin word "caput," which literally means "head." Think of it like the "head" of a person, or the "head" of an organization – it's the main, chief, or most important part.
When applied to letters, a "capital letter" was seen as the "head" of a word or sentence because it often appeared at the very beginning. It was the "chief" or "first" letter, often larger and more distinct.
The phrase "capital letter" itself is first recorded in English around the late 14th century. At that time, it meant exactly what it does today: a larger, upper-case letter used at the start of sentences or for important words, reflecting its "head" or "chief" status.
It's interesting to note that in ancient Roman times, most writing was actually done entirely in what we now consider "capital letters" (also called "majuscule" script). The idea of having both "upper" and "lower" case letters, and the specific rules for when to use each, developed gradually over the centuries, especially during the medieval period as scribes found more efficient ways to write. The terms "upper case" and "lower case" actually came from the way printers organized their metal type, with capital letters kept in the "upper" trays.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Capital Letter
To use all capital letters: To write or type entirely in uppercase, often implying shouting or strong emphasis online.
A capital letter moment: (Original, evocative) A highly significant or memorable event, akin to something being highlighted in a prominent way.
Written in capital letters: (Figurative) Something that is very clear, obvious, or undeniable, as if explicitly stated for emphasis.
To put something in capital letters: To emphasize or highlight something greatly.
A capital offense: (Using "capital" as a synonym for "major" or "chief") A crime punishable by death; a very serious transgression.
To have capital gains: (Using "capital" in its financial sense, meaning primary wealth) To profit from the sale of an investment.
To make a capital error: To make a very serious or fundamental mistake.
The capital city: The principal or most important city of a country or region.
To be capitalized: (Grammar/Finance) To begin a word with an uppercase letter, or to record an expense as an asset rather than an immediate expense.
To hit the caps lock: (Related to the act of producing capital letters) To inadvertently or intentionally type in all uppercase.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of capital letter from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.