To write or print a letter in uppercase, or to use a situation to your advantage.
It’s built from 'capital' plus the verb-making suffix '-ize'. The writing meaning comes from 'capital letter', while the financial and opportunity meanings grew from the idea of turning something into 'capital' or value.
When you 'capitalize' a word and when you 'capitalize on' a chance, you’re doing the same basic thing: making something more important. You’re either giving a letter extra status or turning a moment into valuable 'capital' for yourself.
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