Capital Meaning and Definition
Capital
Pronunciation
/ˈkæpɪtəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A city or town that serves as the seat of government or administration for a country, state, or region.
Examples
- The city is the capital of the country.
- The capital building is a historic landmark.
Synonyms
- Seat
- Government
- Hq
Antonyms
- Periphery
- Rural
Additional Information
Cities or towns that serve as capitals often have a high level of government activity, administrative offices, and may be the location of a country’s parliament, congress, or supreme court. They typically have a significant economic impact on the surrounding region and may be home to cultural and historical institutions.
Hello, Capital! Many cities have a reputation for being the hub of the country’s economic and commercial activities, and the presence of a capital city can significantly enhance the local standard of living.
Etymology
The word “capital” comes from the Latin “capitale,” which means “head” or “chief.” This refers to the city being the “head” or “chief” city of a state or region.
Usage Notes
In everyday usage, “capital” is often used interchangeably with “city” or “town.” However, in formal or official contexts, it is important to use the correct term to refer to the seat of government.
Cultural References
The capital city has been featured in many films, literature, and music, often serving as a symbol of power, authority, or rebellion.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Cities or towns that serve as capitals are often referred to as the “heart” or “center” of a country or region, highlighting their importance and prominence.
Related Words or Phrases
Palace, governor, mayor, parliament, congress
Collocations
Capital city, capital building, capital region, capital country
Frequency of Use
The word “capital” is commonly used in everyday conversation and official contexts, particularly in discussions related to government, politics, and economics.
Common Misspellings
Capitel, Kapital, Capitalis