Capitol vs. Capital — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 27, 2023
The Capitol refers to a building where a legislature meets, while capital denotes a city serving as a seat of government or financial resources.
Difference Between Capitol and Capital
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Capitol typically refers to a specific building where a legislature convenes, particularly in the United States, it refers to the building in Washington, D.C., where the U.S. Congress meets. In contrast, capital refers to the city that functions as the seat of government for a country or region. It can also denote wealth or resources used in business.
Architecturally, a Capitol building is often grand and historically significant, serving as a hub for legislative activities. The word "capital," however, can refer to diverse cities worldwide, each serving as a governmental, cultural, or economic center for their respective nations or states.
The term Capitol, with its specific architectural and political connotations, is used exclusively to describe buildings. On the other hand, capital has a broader application, encompassing not only cities but also financial assets, uppercase letters, and metaphorical uses, such as "capital idea."
The origin of the word Capitol traces back to the Capitolium, a temple dedicated to Jupiter in ancient Rome. Capital, however, derives from the Latin word "caput," meaning "head," signifying the city's role as the head of a region. This linguistic distinction highlights their different spheres of usage.
In the context of government, the Capitol is often a symbol of democratic deliberation and legislative process. Capital cities, meanwhile, are centers of power, housing not just government but also major cultural, economic, and social institutions. Both play pivotal roles in the functioning of states and nations.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
A building where a legislature meets
A city serving as a seat of government
Additional Meanings
Typically none
Financial assets, uppercase letters
Usage
Refers to specific buildings
Refers to cities, also used in finance and grammar
Architectural Significance
Often grand and historically significant
Varies, but often major cultural and economic centers
Origin of the Word
From Capitolium, a Roman temple
From Latin "caput," meaning head
Compare with Definitions
Capitol
A building where a legislative assembly meets.
The Capitol in Washington, D.C., is a landmark of American democracy.
Capital
A city where a government is based.
Paris is the capital of France.
Capitol
The seat of the U.S. Congress.
The Capitol was bustling as lawmakers debated the new bill.
Capital
Financial assets used for investment.
The company increased its capital to fund new projects.
Capitol
A symbol of legislative authority.
The Capitol stood as a testament to the state's legislative history.
Capital
The city or town that functions as the seat of government and administrative centre of a country or region
Warsaw is the capital of Poland
Capitol
A state's legislative building.
The governor delivered her speech at the state Capitol.
Capital
Wealth in the form of money or other assets owned by a person or organization or available for a purpose such as starting a company or investing
Rates of return on invested capital were high
Capitol
A historically significant legislative building.
Tourists flocked to the Capitol to witness its architectural grandeur.
Capital
A letter of the size and form used to begin sentences and names
He wrote the name in capitals
Capitol
The seat of the US Congress in Washington DC.
Capital
The distinct, typically broader section at the head of a pillar or column
The pillars have moulded capitals
Capitol
The temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill in ancient Rome.
Capital
(of an offence or charge) liable to the death penalty
Murder is the only capital crime in the state
Capitol
A building or complex of buildings in which a state legislature meets.
Capital
(of a letter of the alphabet) large in size and of the form used to begin sentences and names.
Capitol
Capitol The building in Washington, DC, where the Congress of the United States meets. See Usage Note at capital1.
Capital
Excellent
He's a really capital fellow
Capitol
(US) Any building or complex of buildings in which a legislature meets.
The capitol building is located smack-dab in the middle of the state capital.
Capital
Used to express approval, satisfaction, or delight
That's splendid! Capital!
Capitol
(historical) Capitol, the temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill in Ancient Rome.
Capital
A town or city that is the official seat of government in a political entity, such as a state or nation.
Capitol
(historical) capitoul, the former chief magistrates of Toulouse, France.
Capital
A city that is the center of a specific activity or industry
The financial capital of the world.
Capitol
The temple of Jupiter, at Rome, on the Mona Capitolinus, where the Senate met.
Comes Cæsar to the Capitol to-morrow?
Capital
Wealth, especially in the form of financial or physical assets, used in the production or accumulation of more wealth.
Capitol
The edifice at Washington occupied by the Congress of the United States; also, the building in which the legislature of a State holds its sessions; a statehouse.
Capital
Accumulated assets or advantages used for economic or political gain
"The president lacks the political capital to override their objections" (The Economist).
Capitol
The federal government of the United States
Capital
The money invested in a corporation, including debt and equity.
Capitol
The government building in Washington where the United States Senate and the House of Representatives meet
Capital
Net worth.
Capital
Capital stock.
Capital
Capitalists considered as a group or class.
Capital
A capital letter.
Capital
The top part of a pillar or column, typically having an ornamental design.
Capital
First and foremost; principal
A decision of capital importance.
Capital
First-rate; excellent
A capital idea.
Capital
Relating to or being a seat of government.
Capital
Extremely serious
A capital blunder.
Capital
Involving death or calling for the death penalty
A capital offense.
Capital
Of or relating to financial assets, especially being or related to those financial assets that add to the net worth of a business
Made capital improvements at the plant site.
Capital
Relating to or being a capital letter.
Capital
Already-produced durable goods available for use as a factor of production, such as steam shovels (equipment) and office buildings (structures).
Capital
Money and wealth. The means to acquire goods and services, especially in a non-barter system.
He does not have enough capital to start a business.
Capital
(countable) A city designated as a legislative seat by the government or some other authority, often the city in which the government is located; otherwise the most important city within a country or a subdivision of it.
Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States of America.
The Welsh government claims that Cardiff is Europe’s youngest capital.
Capital
(countable) The most important city in the field specified.
Capital
(countable) An uppercase letter.
Capital
The uppermost part of a column.
Capital
(uncountable) Knowledge; awareness; proficiency.
Interpreters need a good amount of cultural capital in order to function efficiently in the profession.
Capital
The chief or most important thing.
Capital
Of prime importance.
Capital
Chief, in a political sense, as being the seat of the general government of a state or nation.
London and Paris are capital cities.
Capital
Excellent.
That is a capital idea!
Capital
(crime) Punishable by, or involving punishment by, death.
Capital
Uppercase.
One begins a sentence with a capital letter.
Capital
Used to emphasise greatness or absoluteness
You're a genius with a capital G!
He's dead with a capital D!
Capital
Of or relating to the head.
Capital
Of or pertaining to the head.
Needs must the Serpent now his capital bruiseExpect with mortal pain.
Capital
Having reference to, or involving, the forfeiture of the head or life; affecting life; punishable with death; as, capital trials; capital punishment.
Many crimes that are capital among us.
To put to death a capital offender.
Capital
First in importance; chief; principal.
A capital article in religion
Whatever is capital and essential in Christianity.
Capital
Chief, in a political sense, as being the seat of the general government of a state or nation; as, Washington and Paris are capital cities.
Capital
Of first rate quality; excellent; as, a capital speech or song.
Capital
The head or uppermost member of a column, pilaster, etc. It consists generally of three parts, abacus, bell (or vase), and necking. See these terms, and Column.
Capital
The seat of government; the chief city or town in a country; a metropolis.
Capital
That portion of the produce of industry, which may be directly employed either to support human beings or to assist in production.
Capital
Anything which can be used to increase one's power or influence.
He tried to make capital out of his rival's discomfiture.
Capital
An imaginary line dividing a bastion, ravelin, or other work, into two equal parts.
Capital
A chapter, or section, of a book.
Holy St. Bernard hath said in the 59th capital.
Capital
Assets available for use in the production of further assets
Capital
Wealth in the form of money or property owned by a person or business and human resources of economic value
Capital
A seat of government
Capital
One of the large alphabetic characters used as the first letter in writing or printing proper names and sometimes for emphasis;
Printers once kept the type for capitals and for small letters in separate cases; capitals were kept in the upper half of the type case and so became known as upper-case letters
Capital
A book written by Karl Marx (1867) describing his economic theories
Capital
The upper part of a column that supports the entablature
Capital
First-rate;
A capital fellow
A capital idea
Capital
Punishable by death;
A capital offense
Capital
Of primary important;
Our capital concern was to avoid defeat
Capital
Uppercase;
Capital A
Great A
Many medieval manuscripts are in majuscule script
Capital
An uppercase letter.
Begin the sentence with a capital letter.
Capital
A wealth of resources or advantage.
The team's capital strength is its experienced players.
Capital
Principal or of primary importance.
The capital requirement for the project is substantial.
Common Curiosities
Can capital refer to money?
Yes, capital can refer to financial assets or resources used for investment.
Are there multiple Capitols?
Yes, many states have their own Capitols, but the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., is the most famous.
Is the Capitol only in the United States?
While the term is closely associated with the U.S., other countries may also have buildings referred to as Capitols.
What does the Capitol refer to?
The Capitol refers to a building where a legislature meets, often used to describe the U.S. Congress building.
Does capital have a grammatical meaning?
Yes, in grammar, capital refers to uppercase letters.
Why is the Capitol important?
The Capitol is important as it houses legislative bodies and symbolizes democratic governance.
Are all capital cities large?
Not necessarily; while many are major cities, some capital cities are relatively small.
Can a country change its capital?
Yes, countries can and have changed their capital cities for various reasons.
Is it correct to say 'Capital Building'?
No, the correct term for the legislative building is 'Capitol Building.'
What is a capital city?
A capital city is the city where a country's or region's government is based.
Does the architectural style of Capitols vary?
Yes, the architectural style of Capitols can vary significantly from one state or country to another.
Can the word capital have multiple meanings?
Yes, capital can refer to a city, financial assets, or uppercase letters in writing.
What's the difference between capital and Capitol?
Capital generally refers to a city or financial assets, while the Capitol is a specific legislative building.
Is the U.S. Capitol open to visitors?
Yes, the U.S. Capitol is open to visitors, though there may be security and entry requirements.
Do all countries have a designated capital city?
Almost all sovereign countries have a designated capital city, serving as the administrative center.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
