6 syllables: cap, i, tal, i, za, tion. Stress on za.
kap-it-uh-liz-AY-shuhn
/ˌkæpɪtəlɪˈzeɪʃən/
capitalization is pronounced kap-it-uh-liz-AY-shuhn (/ˌkæpɪtəlɪˈzeɪʃən/). It has six syllables (cap-i-tal-i-za-tion), with the stress on "za". Capitalization refers to the system or process of writing words with initial capital letters, typically for proper nouns, titles, or sentence starts. It also denotes the act of converting text to uppercase letters in typesetting or data formatting. The term combines the idea of capital letters with the action of forming or applying them in written text.
Capitalization refers to the system or process of writing words with initial capital letters, typically for proper nouns, titles, or sentence starts. It also denotes the act of converting text to uppercase letters in typesetting or data formatting. The term combines the idea of capital letters with the action of forming or applying them in written text.
- Difficulty with syllable-timing: capitalize multiple weak syllables in a row can cause rushing. Solution: slow down to maintain the -tə- and -lə- segments clearly. - Final -tion often pronounced as -shn̩; correct by blending the /ʃn̩/ into a light, barely audible suffix rather than a hard consonant. - Vowel length: unstressed vowels tend to reduce; ensure the /æ/ in /kæ/ remains distinct, not a reduced /ə/ in rapid speech. Practice with slow-paced enunciation and then speed-up.
"The capitalization rules in English require capitalizing days of the week and months."
"In programming, capitalization is used to differentiate constants from variables (e.g., CamelCase)."
"The author emphasized capitalization of proper nouns throughout the manuscript."
You pronounce it as /ˌkæpɪtələˈzeɪʃn̩/ (US) or /ˌkæpɪtələˈzeɪʃn̩/ (UK). The primary stress falls on the third syllable in -la- belirtil? Actually capitalization: ca-PIT-a-li-ZA-tion? Wait: Correct: ca-pi-tal-i-za-tion. Stress pattern: 3rd syllable? Let me provide clear: The word has five to six syllables: /ˌkæpɪtələˈzeɪʃn̩/ where the main stress is on the
Common errors: stressing the wrong syllable (accent on 'pi' or 'tal'), mispronouncing the 't' as a dental or tapping sound, or flattening the 'ti' to 'ti' as in 'capitalization' vs 'capitalisation' (UK). Correct by maintaining primary stress on the -za- (the /ˈzeɪ/ portion) and pronouncing /təl/ as a light, quick sequence rather than a strong pause.
US and UK share /ˌkæpɪtələˈzeɪʃn̩/, but Americans may reduce unstressed vowels more (schwa), while Brits may have slightly stronger /ɪ/ in the first syllable and a clearer /z/ in the -zeɪ- portion. Australia follows a similar pattern to UK but with subtle vowel tilts: /ˌkæpɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃn̩/. Pay attention to rhoticity; US is rhotic, UK non-rhotic, which can alter the perceived vowel length.
Because it stacks several syllables with a mix of unstressed vowels and a long final '-tion' ending. The sequence /təˈleɪʃn̩/ challenges you to maintain correct vowel length and a light 'z' sound in the -zi- region. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm, preventing vowel reduction from erasing syllable boundaries, and ensuring the 'z' maintains its voiced alveolar position.
Unique tip: treat capitalization as ca-pit-a-li-za-tion with the main stress on the -zea- segment, maintaining a distinct /z/ before the /eɪ/ vowel. Keep the /t/ sharp but not aspirated; the sequence /́zai/ should feel smooth and connected rather than abrupt. IPA anchors: US /ˌkæpɪtələˈzeɪʃn̩/; UK /ˌkæpɪtələˈzeɪʃn̩/; AU /ˌkæpɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃn̩/.
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- US: rhotic /r/ is not present here, but you’ll hear reduced vowels in unstressed syllables; keep /æ/ clear in the first syllable. - UK: non-rhotic; relax the final /n̩/ slightly but keep the final syllabic n crisp. Maintain a slightly more clipped first syllable. - AU: similar to UK with flatter vowels; keep the -ai- pronunciation in the -laɪ- segment distinct; avoid merging with -li-. - IPA references: US /ˌkæpɪtələˈzeɪʃn̩/, UK /ˌkæpɪtələˈzeɪʃn̩/, AU /ˌkæpɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃn̩/.
Capitalization originates from the concept of capital letters, or large letters, in early writing systems. The word capital stems from Latin capitalis meaning ‘of a head’ or ‘chief,’ reflecting the use of large, prominent letters in headings and important text. Historically, manuscripts used larger initials to mark beginnings, proper nouns, and section starts. The practice evolved with printing and typesetting, where set types included distinct uppercase and lowercase forms. In English, capitalization rules developed in the context of Greek and Latin influences, with the first known written guidelines appearing in antiquity and medieval manuscripts. By the 16th and 17th centuries, English grammar and typography established conventions for when to use uppercase letters, such as starting sentences and capitalizing proper nouns. In modern usage, capitalization also intersects with computing (CamelCase, PascalCase) and data conventions, expanding beyond traditional typography into software naming schemes. First known uses appear in early printed works where printers used capitals to signal emphasis and structural boundaries. The term itself reflects the act of making letters ‘capital’ or larger in form to signify importance and clarity in written language.
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Help others use "capitalization" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "capitalization" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "capitalization" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "capitalization"
-ion sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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