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capital

Definition

  • noun: the uppermost member of a column or pilaster crowning the shaft and taking the weight of the entablature
  • noun: money, property, etc., that is used to start or operate a business
  • adjective: in the form A, B, C, etc., rather than a, b, c
  • sometimes used figuratively
  • synonyms: controlling, leading, prominent

Examples

  • She's been accused of trying to 'make capital out of' the tragedy. [=of trying to use the tragedy to her advantage; of trying to benefit from the tragedy]

  • Homicide that occurs during the course of an attempted kidnapping is a 'capital' crime in some states.

  • Stock sales resulted in millions of dollars in 'capital gains' for the company.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) And, for an earnest of a greater honour, he bade me from him call thee Thane of Cawdor. The Thane of Cawdor lives. Why do you dress me in borrowed robes? Treasons capital, confessed and proved, have overthrown him. MACBETH: Do you not hope your children shall be kings when those that gave (..)
    2015 Macbeth