cap
B1Informal, everyday, technical (finance, medicine, law)
Definition
Meaning
a type of hat with a visor and no brim, or a protective covering
to limit or complete something, or to outperform or surpass
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Polysemous word with concrete (object) and abstract (limit) meanings. The verb meaning "to outdo" is informal and often used in social media.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Similar in core meanings. The verb meaning "to place a limit on" (e.g., council tax) is more common in UK official contexts. Slang usage (e.g., "no cap") is equally understood in youth culture.
Connotations
In UK, "capped" often relates to university places or public spending. In US sports, "salary cap" is a key financial term.
Frequency
Noun form is equally frequent. Verb form "to cap" (limit) is slightly more frequent in UK administrative language.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
cap something (at…)be capped by somethingcap something off with somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cap in hand (humbly)”
- “to cap it all (as a final point)”
- “set a cap on”
- “if the cap fits (if the criticism is true)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to spending limits, market capitalisation, or interest rate ceilings.
Academic
In graduation ceremonies ("cap and gown") or in discussions of limits ("cap on emissions").
Everyday
Most common for headwear or bottle closures.
Technical
In dentistry (crown), medicine (kneecap), finance (market cap), and law (damages cap).
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- He lost his school cap on the way home.
- The government introduced a cap on energy prices.
American English
- She wore a Braves cap to the baseball game.
- The team is over the salary cap.
verb
British English
- The council voted to cap council tax increases at 3%.
- They capped off the evening with a fireworks display.
American English
- The league caps rookie salaries.
- Her incredible goal capped a stunning comeback.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a red cap.
- Put the cap back on the bottle.
- There's a cap on how many people can join the tour.
- He capped the pen after using it.
- The new policy will cap carbon emissions from industry.
- Her promotion capped a year of remarkable achievements.
- The debate was capped by a powerful speech from the opposition leader.
- Venture capital funding is capped for startups in this sector.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bottle wearing a CAP as a HAT to keep its contents safe. A CAP limits how much can come out, just like a spending CAP limits money.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIMIT IS A LID / ACHIEVEMENT IS A HIGH POINT (to cap a performance)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- "Cap" is not typically "кепка" in formal writing; "hat" or "peak" might be better. Avoid using "cap" for every type of hat. The verb "to cap" does not mean "to capture."
Common Mistakes
- Using "cap" instead of "hat" for formal wear (e.g., *wedding cap). Confusing "cap" (limit) with "cup" (trophy). Incorrect preposition: *cap on spending vs. cap for spending.
Practice
Quiz
In informal slang, what does "no cap" typically mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while often associated with baseball caps, it refers to any similar soft hat with a visor, as well as many types of covers or lids (bottle cap, lens cap).
A 'cap' typically has a visor or peak and fits closely to the head. A 'hat' is a more general term and can have a full brim all the way around (like a sun hat or top hat).
It's an idiom meaning 'to finish something' or, more commonly, 'as the final (often bad) thing in a series of events.' For example: 'My car broke down, it rained, and then, to cap it all, I lost my keys.'
Short for 'market capitalisation,' it's the total value of a company's shares of stock. It is calculated as (current share price) x (total number of shares).
Collections
Part of a collection
Colors and Clothes
A1 · 45 words · Colors and common items of clothing.