Is it ‘capitol’ or ‘capital’?

The English language is full of nuances and intricacies. One such nuance is between words that sound similar but have different meanings. For example, consider the words ‘capitol’ and ‘capital’. They may sound alike, but they have distinct definitions and uses. Learn the difference between ‘capital’ and ‘capitol’ to eliminate any confusion in your writing.

The definition of ‘capital’

The word ‘capital’ is a versatile term with several meanings:

Geographical capital. In the context of geography, ‘capital’ refers to the city where a country’s central government is located. For instance, Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States, and Tokyo is the capital of Japan. This usage is probably the most common and widely recognized.
Economic capital. In the realm of economics and finance, ‘capital’ signifies wealth in the form of money or assets. Capital can belong to an individual or an organization and is often used for starting a company, investing, or funding projects. This type of capital helps drive economic growth and development.
Grammatical capital. In terms of grammar, a capital letter is an uppercase letter. It’s used at the beginning of sentences and proper nouns. This usage is an important part of our written communication.

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The definition of ‘capitol’

In contrast, the term ‘capitol’ has a more specific and narrow meaning. It refers to a building where legislative work is conducted. The term is typically used to refer to the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C., where the U.S. Congress, including the House of Representatives and the Senate, meets. This building is a symbol of the American people and their government.

“‘Capital’ is a versatile term that’s used in various contexts, including geography, finance, and grammar. On the other hand, ‘capitol’ is only used to refer to legislative buildings.”

The difference between ‘capital’ versus ‘capitol’

Having defined ‘capital’ and ‘capitol’, let’s explore their key differences:

Usage. ‘Capital’ is a versatile term that’s used in various contexts, including geography, finance, and grammar. On the other hand, ‘capitol’ is only used to refer to legislative buildings. Its definition is narrower and more specific.
Spelling. The spelling of these words can help you distinguish between them. While both words are spelled similarly, ‘capitol’ has an ‘o’. You can remember its meaning by associating the ‘o’ in ‘capitol’ with the ‘o’ in ‘dome’—a structure that’s commonly found on capitol buildings.

When to use ‘capital’ or ‘capitol’

Confused? Use this quick guide to decide between ‘capital’ and ‘capitol’:

Use ‘capital’ when referring to a city where the government is located, wealth in the form of money or assets, or an uppercase letter.
Use ‘capitol’ when referring to a legislative building.

How to use ‘capital’ in a sentence

London is the capital of the United Kingdom.
He invested his capital in a start-up company.
Always start a sentence with a capital letter.

How to use ‘capitol’ in a sentence

Each year, thousands of tourists visit the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. to learn about the country’s legislative process.

‘Capital’ and ‘capitol’ are two distinct words with specific meanings and uses. While they may sound similar, using the correct term in the right context can help you communicate with clarity and efficiency.