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

  • (..) loyal to Commodus. Let my men see me alive, and you shall see where their loyalties lie. This is madness. - No Roman army has entered the capital in a hundred years. - Gracchus- I will not trade one dictatorship for another! The time for half-measures and talk is over, Senator. (..)
    2000 Gladiator