Difference Between Capital and Capitol

Capital vs Capitol
 

As capital and capitol are two similar sounding words with different usage, we should learn the difference between capital and capitol. There are many similar sounding words in English language that become confusing for many to remember as they have different meanings and their correct usage is necessary. Two such homonyms are words capital and capitol. While the word capital is the more commonly used word having many meanings, the word capitol has only one meaning and is thus easy to remember.

What does Capitol mean?

Capitol has its origins in Old French capitolie, capitoile. Capitol refers to a building or a structure where state legislature meets. In United States, the word capitol refers to the building in Washington D.C. The building is coincidentally situated upon Capitol Hill. This is where Congress meets. It is easy to remember this use of the word capitol as it contains an ‘O’ which is similar to the shape of the dome that is atop the building.

What does Capital mean?

The word capital has its origins in Middle English. The word capital has several meanings. Let us see them one by one.

An official city that is the seat of government is called the capital city of that country. For example, Washington D.C is the capital of United States of America (US).

A city which is the center of a specific activity, for example, Paris is the fashion capital of the world.

Capital is also used to denote wealth or property, for example, he has a capital worth $5 million.

A capital letter, for example, names of people always start with a capital letter.

Something expressing grave concern, for example, he deserves capital punishment for his crime.

Capital also refers to the top part of a column or a pillar.

Capital also has some more meanings such as excellent, first, and foremost.

In British English, in the informal language, capital is used as an exclamation “used to express approval, satisfaction, or delight.” For example,

That was a splendid performance, dear! Capital!

The word capital is also used in phrases such as make capital out of and with a capital…

For example,

Make capital out of (“use to one’s own advantage”)

She is trying to make capital out of her mother-in-law’s passing away.

With a capital … (“used to give emphasis to the word in question”)

She was so beautiful with a capital B.

Another interesting fact about the word capital is that the adverb capitally is a derivative of capital.

What is the difference between Capital and Capitol?

• The words capital and capital are homonyms.

• Capital and capitol sound similar but have different meanings.

• Capitol has only one meaning and it refers to the building where state legislature meets.

• Capital has many meaning and can be used as a noun or as an adjective.

• The word capital is also used in phrases such as make capital out of and with a capital…

• Capitally is an adverb made from the word capital.