Confusing Words: Capital (noun) and Capitol (noun)
Meaning:
Capital (the city or town that functions as the seat of government and administrative centre of a country or region.)
Capitol (a building in which a state legislative body meets.)
Capital vs Capitol Clarification: They are homophones having different meanings and functions within sentences.
Capital vs Capitol – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?
Capital and capitol are just one-letter apart. They are homophones. It means that they are similar in terms of pronunciation but different in meaning and spelling.
I will define these words separately and use each word in example sentences.
Capital
You can use capital in a few different ways. Like,
• Capital is a large size letter that is used to begin the sentences and names. For example, ‘His name is George.’
• It can also be used to describe the wealth or money that is used to start a new business or to make more wealth. For example, ‘they have invested almost $50,000 capital into a new business.’
• It can also be used to refer the most important place for a specific activity or product. For example, ‘London as the fashion capital of the world.’
• Capital is also used to refer the most important city or town that is, usually, called the centre or the seat of a country’s government. For example, ‘Ajman is the capital of the emirate of Ajman in the United Arab Emirates.’
From the above definitions of capital, the last one is the most relevent definition for today’s discussion about capital vs. capitol. So, remember the last definition of capital as the centre or the seat of a country’s government.
1. Atleast 15 homes were lost and a firefighter injured on Friday in a fast-moving bushfire in the country town of Carwoola, around 30 kilometres south east of the Australian capital, Canberra. (The Telegraph News)
Capitol
Capitol is used as a noun within sentences. It is used to refer the particular building or a group of buildings in which a legislative body of a state meets. It is also used to refer to the Capitol (building) of the U.S. Congress in Washington D.C.
1. They are arranging a few important conferences at state capitols.
2. U.S. Capitol officials are planning a series of security upgrades outside the Capitol Complex, including installation of an underground alarm system, reinforced windows and K-9 units outside building entrances. (NBC4 Washington)
3. Hundreds march to Texas Capitol in support of immigrants. (Dallas News)
Note the above senetences. If you are referring to a specific capitol then, it is important to capitalize the word ‘capitol’ (see examples 2 and 3). However, if you are not referring to a specific capitol then, no need to capitalize it (see the example 1).
What Did You Learn?
Capital and capitol are just one-letter apart. They are homophones having different meanings and functions within sentences. So, it is important to keep them apart.
Capital is the most important city or town, which is known as the centre or the seat of a country’s government. Capitol, on the other hand, is the building or a group of buildings in which a legislative body of a state meets.