Preambles.
The word “capital” is a rich and flexible term used across economics, geography, law, typography, and metaphorical expressions. Below are the main meanings of “capital” with one clear example sentence each, including a metaphorical use.
1. Capital (Economics: Financial resources)
Definition: Wealth in the form of money or assets, used or available for investing or producing more wealth.
Example:
The entrepreneur raised enough capital to open a second factory.
2. Capital (Geography: Seat of Government)
Definition: The city where a country’s or state’s government is located.
Example:
Abuja is the capital of Nigeria.
3. Capital (Architecture/Alphabet: Uppercase Letter)
Definition: A letter of the alphabet in uppercase form.
Example:
Always start a sentence with a capital letter.
4. Capital (Law: Punishable by Death)
Definition: Relating to a crime that is punishable by death.
Example:
In some countries, murder is considered a capital offense.
5. Capital (Metaphorical: Importance or Value)
Definition: Used metaphorically to mean something of great importance or value.
Example:
Trust is social capital; without it, communities crumble.
BONUS 6. Capital (Metaphorical: Excellence or Delight – old-fashioned British)
Definition: Used informally to mean something is excellent or first-rate (especially in older British English).
Example:
That was a capital idea, old chap!
Summary Table
| Use Type | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Financial | Money or assets used for investment | He invested his capital in a new business. |
| Geographic | A nation’s or state’s primary city of governance | Lagos was once the capital of Nigeria. |
| Alphabetical | An uppercase letter | Always write names with a capital letter. |
| Legal | A crime that can lead to the death penalty | Treason is a capital crime in some nations. |
| Social/Metaphorical | A valuable non-financial asset (e.g., trust) | Relationships are a form of emotional capital. |
| Old-fashioned British | Something first-class or excellent | What a capital performance that was! |
Visual Illustration
Here’s a simple conceptual diagram showing the varied meanings of “capital”:
Let me know if you’d like this in a printable handout format or expanded for educational purposes.
ChatGPT