A1noun 1K

Capital

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈkæpɪtl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈkæpɪtl/"]/

Meaning of Capital

the most important town or city of a country or region, where the government operates from

In simple words: The city where a country's government is located.

Capital in a sentence

• Paris is the capital of France.
• The capital city is usually the most important city in a country.
• To start a new business, you need some capital to invest.
• Many businesses require capital to grow and expand.
• The early capital of the United States was Philadelphia.

How to use Capital

Use 'capital' to refer to the primary city of a country or state, especially in formal contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing geography or politics.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'capital' as the 'cap' on top of a country's governance.

Related words

Collocations with Capital

• great
• major
• British
• in a/​the capital
• capital of
• the… capital of the world
• risk
• venture
• fixed
• have
• accumulate
• acquire
• assets
• goods
• resources
• capital and labour/​labor
• an injection of capital
• a return on your capital
• risk
• venture
• fixed
• have
• accumulate
• acquire
• assets
• goods
• resources
• capital and labour/​labor
• an injection of capital
• a return on your capital
• risk
• venture
• fixed
• have
• accumulate
• acquire
• assets
• goods
• resources
• capital and labour/​labor
• an injection of capital
• a return on your capital

Synonyms for Capital

• metropolis
• city
• hub
• seat of government
• urban center

Opposites of Capital

• outskirts
• periphery

Common mistakes with Capital

• Confused with 'capitol', which refers to a building where lawmakers meet.
• Using 'capital' to refer to any city, instead of specifically the main government city.
• Mispronouncing it, especially omitting the 'a' sound – it should be 'cap-i-tal'.

Frequently asked questions about Capital

What does Capital mean?

The city where a country's government is located.

What is the definition of Capital?

the most important town or city of a country or region, where the government operates from

How do you use Capital in a sentence?

Paris is the capital of France.

Can you give another example of Capital?

The capital city is usually the most important city in a country.

What are synonyms for Capital?

Common alternatives include metropolis, city, hub, seat of government, urban center.

What is the opposite of Capital?

Opposite meanings include outskirts, periphery.

What words go with Capital?

It commonly pairs with great, major, British, in a/​the capital, capital of, the… capital of the world, risk, venture, fixed, have, accumulate, acquire, assets, goods, resources, capital and labour/​labor, an injection of capital, a return on your capital, risk, venture, fixed, have, accumulate, acquire, assets, goods, resources, capital and labour/​labor, an injection of capital, a return on your capital, risk, venture, fixed, have, accumulate, acquire, assets, goods, resources, capital and labour/​labor, an injection of capital, a return on your capital.

What are common mistakes when using Capital?

Confused with 'capitol', which refers to a building where lawmakers meet. Using 'capital' to refer to any city, instead of specifically the main government city. Mispronouncing it, especially omitting the 'a' sound – it should be 'cap-i-tal'.

How do you pronounce Capital?

US: /["/ˈkæpɪtl/"]/, UK: /["/ˈkæpɪtl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Capital?

Use 'capital' to refer to the primary city of a country or state, especially in formal contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing geography or politics.

What CEFR level is Capital?

"Capital" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.