How Do You Spell THE CAPITOL?

Pronunciation: [ðə kˈapɪtə͡l] (IPA)

The correct spelling for the place where the United States Congress meets is "the Capitol." The first syllable is pronounced /ˈkæp/, which rhymes with "map." The second syllable is pronounced /ɪtəl/, with a short "i" sound, like "hit," and a lightly aspirated "t." It's easy to confuse "Capitol" with "capital," which has a different meaning that refers to a city that serves as a seat of government or a head of state's official residence.

THE CAPITOL Meaning and Definition

  1. The Capitol refers to the central legislative and administrative hub of a country, particularly in a democratic governmental system. It is typically the building or complex where the parliament or legislature convenes, and where important decisions, deliberations, and debates concerning the governance of the nation take place. The Capitol is often characterized by its grandeur, significance, and symbolic importance, serving as a visual representation of the seat of power and authority.

    The term "Capitol" is derived from the Latin word "capitōlium," which was the temple dedicated to Jupiter Optimus Maximus, the king of the Roman gods, in ancient Rome. This historical association underscores the notion that the Capitol represents both a physical and ideological embodiment of national governance, lawmaking, and democracy.

    The Capitol usually houses the chambers where lawmakers gather to pass legislation, such as the Senate and House of Representatives. It also accommodates various governmental offices, administrative departments, committee rooms, and parliamentary spaces. The design and architecture of the Capitol are often set apart from ordinary buildings, emphasizing its importance within the political system and attracting tourists and visitors who wish to understand the nation's political structure.

    "The Capitol" is a term sometimes used specifically to refer to the Capitol in Washington, D.C., where the United States Congress conducts its business. The U.S. Capitol Building, with its distinctive dome and neoclassical architecture, is an iconic symbol of American democracy and governance.

Common Misspellings for THE CAPITOL

  • rhe capitol
  • fhe capitol
  • ghe capitol
  • yhe capitol
  • 6he capitol
  • 5he capitol
  • tge capitol
  • tbe capitol
  • tne capitol
  • tje capitol
  • tue capitol
  • tye capitol
  • thw capitol
  • ths capitol
  • thd capitol
  • thr capitol
  • th4 capitol
  • th3 capitol
  • the xapitol
  • the vapitol

Etymology of THE CAPITOL

The word "Capitol" has its roots in ancient Rome. It derives from the Latin word "capitōlium", which referred to the temple dedicated to Jupiter Optimus Maximus, the most exalted of the Roman gods. The temple was located on Capitoline Hill, one of Rome's seven hills. Over time, "capitōlium" came to represent the entire hill and the surrounding area, which became the political and religious center of Rome. The term "Capitol" was later adopted and used in various forms by other cultures, such as the United States, where it refers to the building in Washington, D.C., that houses the U.S. Congress.

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