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capitalize

verb

/ˈkæpətəˌlaɪz/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of capitalize

To gain an advantage or benefit from a particular situation or circumstance.
"The company sought to capitalize on the growing demand for organic food."

Detailed meaning of capitalize

In this context, to capitalize means to make the most of an opportunity or to use it to one's advantage. This could be in the context of a business or financial situation, where a company seeks to capitalize on a market trend or favorable economic conditions. It could also refer to an individual who is able to capitalize on their skills, strengths, or network to advance their career or achieve success. For example, a talented musician might capitalize on their popularity to launch a successful tour or album, while a savvy investor might capitalize on a stock market upswing to make profitable trades. In this sense, to capitalize means to take advantage of a situation to achieve a desired outcome or benefit.

Example sentences containing capitalize

1. The company wanted to capitalize on the emerging market trends.
2. She decided to capitalize on her artistic talent by starting her own business.
3. The athlete's endorsement deals allowed him to capitalize on his fame and success.
4. The author was able to capitalize on the success of her first book with a successful sequel.
5. The entrepreneur recognized the opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable products.
6. The fashion brand aimed to capitalize on the latest fashion craze by releasing a trendy collection.

History and etymology of capitalize

The verb 'capitalize' draws its etymological roots from the Latin word 'caput,' which means 'head.' In medieval Latin, the term 'capitalis' emerged, signifying 'of the head' or 'pertaining to the head.' This concept evolved into the Old French word 'capitel,' which referred to the top part of a column, often adorned with decorative elements. Over time, 'capitalize' took on a metaphorical meaning, aligning with the notion of the 'head' or most significant part, and came to represent the act of gaining an advantage or benefit from a particular situation or circumstance. In essence, 'capitalize' reflects the idea of making the most of the 'head' or pivotal aspect of a situation, highlighting its historical connection between opportunity and the elevated position of the 'head' in columns.

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Further usage examples of capitalize

1. The restaurant owner planned to capitalize on the tourist season by offering special promotions.
2. The tech company hoped to capitalize on the latest technological advancements in the industry.
3. The musician's manager advised her to capitalize on her viral video by releasing new music.
4. The real estate developer saw an opportunity to capitalize on the booming housing market.
5. The startup company aimed to capitalize on the emerging market niche with its innovative product.
6. The retailer strategically placed its products near the checkout counter to capitalize on impulse purchases.
7. The online platform introduced new features to capitalize on the changing user preferences.
8. The airline company adjusted its flight schedules to capitalize on peak travel times.
9. The investment firm sought to capitalize on the growing interest in sustainable investments.
10. The fitness instructor decided to capitalize on the wellness trend by offering specialized classes.
11. The mobile game developer quickly released updates to capitalize on the game's popularity.
12. The marketing team launched a new campaign to capitalize on the holiday shopping season.
13. The hotel chain aimed to capitalize on the tourist influx by opening a new branch.
14. The social media influencer collaborated with a popular brand to capitalize on their combined reach.