We constantly receive requests to explain the differences between commonly confused words, and the most common request is the difference between the words Capital and Capitol. These words are often mixed up, but understanding their meanings and proper usage is essential if you don't want to embarrass yourself.
Here is a quick summary of the basic differences between the two words:
- Capital can refer to a city, wealth, or uppercase letters.
- Capitol refers to a building where a legislature meets.
Capital Definition: What Does Capital Mean?
The word Capital has several different meanings:
- Capital in Finance and Economics: Money or resources used for investment, business growth, or other purposes.
- Capital as a Major City or Seat of Government: The city where the main government of a country, state, or province is located.
- Capital Letters in Grammar: Uppercase letters are used at the beginning of sentences or for proper nouns.
Capitol Definition: What Does Capitol Mean?
The word Capitol refers to a building where a legislature meets, such as the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
- Capitol Buildings in the United States: The building where the U.S. Congress meets.
- Historical Background of Capitol: The term comes from the Latin word 'Capitolium,' which was a temple on Rome's Capitoline Hill.
How to Pronounce Capital:
Capital is pronounced as /ˈkæpɪtəl/, with the stress on the first syllable.
How to Pronounce Capitol:
Capitol is pronounced as /ˈkæpɪtəl/, also with the stress on the first syllable. Although they sound very similar, the context of the sentence can help you determine which word is being used.
How to Spell Capital and Capitol
The main difference in spelling between Capital and Capitol is the letter in the middle of the word. Capital contains an 'a,' while Capitol contains an 'o.' A helpful mnemonic to remember the correct spelling is that the word Capitol has an 'o' as in dOme, referring to the dome shape of many capitol buildings.
Examples of Sentences to See How to Use the Words
Here are some examples so you can see the words being used in actual sentences rather than just in the abstract:
Example Sentences with 'Capital'
- The company raised additional capital to fund its expansion.
- Paris is the capital of France and a popular tourist destination.
- Proper nouns, like people's names, should start with a capital letter.
- They invested their capital in a new business venture.
- Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States.
- Always start a sentence with a capital letter.
Example Sentences with 'Capitol'
- Visitors can take guided tours of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
- State legislators gathered at the Capitol to vote on a new bill.
- The Capitol building is where lawmakers debate and pass legislation.
- Many state Capitol buildings in the U.S. are modeled after the national Capitol.
FAQs: Common Questions about Capital and Capitol
- What is the main difference between Capital and Capitol?
- Capital refers to a city, wealth, or uppercase letters.
- Capitol refers to a building where a legislature meets.
- Can Capital and Capitol be used interchangeably?
- No, they have different meanings and should be used appropriately based on context.
- How do I remember the correct spelling of Capital and Capitol?
- Remember the mnemonic: Capitol has an 'o' as in dOme, referring to the dome shape of many capitol buildings.
- Are Capital and Capitol pronounced the same way?
- They have similar pronunciations, but the context of the sentence can help you determine which word is being used.
- Do other countries have Capitol buildings?
- Yes, many countries have buildings for their legislature. However, the term 'Capitol' is mainly used in the United States.
- What is an example of a capital city?
- Tokyo is the capital city of Japan.
- How do I use Capital and Capitol in a sentence?
- Capital: "London is the capital of the United Kingdom."
- Capitol: "The U.S. Congress meets in the Capitol building."
- When should I use a capital letter in writing?
- Use capital letters at the beginning of sentences, for proper nouns, and for titles of works.
- What is the origin of the word Capitol?
- The term 'Capitol' comes from the Latin word 'Capitolium,' which was a temple on Rome's Capitoline Hill.
- How can I remember the difference between Capital and Capitol in writing?
- When trying to remember the difference between the two words, think of the 'a' in Capital as standing for "a city" or "assets," and the 'o' in Capitol as referring to the dome shape found on many capitol buildings.
Conclusion: Mastering the Differences
Now that you know the key differences between Capital and Capitol, as well as how to pronounce and spell them, you can confidently use these words correctly in your writing and conversation. Remember, it's essential to understand these distinctions to communicate clearly and avoid misunderstandings. Keep practicing, and you'll become a master of these commonly confused words in no time.
