capital
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkæpɪtəl/
KK: /ˈkæpɪtl/
adjective
Definition
Very important or serious; of the highest importance or quality.
Example
The project was of capital importance to the company's future.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new restaurant downtown?
Yeah, I heard it's supposed to be a capital spot for brunch!
I think we should definitely check it out this weekend.
Absolutely! A capital idea for our Saturday plans.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
principal
primary
fundamental
Antonyms
trivial
insignificant
minor
noun
Definition
A city where the government of a country or state is located, or a letter that is larger than lowercase letters. It can also refer to the total assets of a business after subtracting debts.
Example
Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States.
Conversation
Have you ever been to the capital of our country?
No, I haven't, but I've heard it's really interesting.
Yeah, I want to see the historic buildings in the capital someday.
Root Explanation
Capital is formed from 'caput' (meaning head) and the suffix '-al' (meaning pertaining to). The word originally referred to something that is of primary importance or at the head of something, such as a city that serves as the seat of government.
Memory Tip
Think of 'caput' meaning head, which helps you remember that 'capital' refers to something of primary importance or the head city of a region.
Visually Confused Words
chapitral
aptal
procapital
noncapital
compital
capsizal
acapnial