capital; principal; (fig.) one's assets or qualifications
Meanings
2 senses · 8 examplesnoun
capital; principal; the sum of money used to start a business or for investment
Refers specifically to the initial amount of money invested, not including profits. Used in finance, commerce, and gambling contexts.
You need capital to do business, otherwise you can't keep things running.
He lost even his principal on this investment.
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The gambler lost his own house and doesn't even have the capital to try to win it back.
The capital for this business deal was 100,000, and the profit was 20,000.
noun
(figurative) one's assets, qualifications, conditions, or abilities that can be relied upon
Used metaphorically to refer to non-monetary assets such as health, skills, experience, or social connections that give someone an advantage.
A healthy body is the capital for doing good work.
He is fluent in three foreign languages; that's his greatest asset in the workplace.
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You are young and energetic; that is your capital, and you should make good use of it.
Honesty and trustworthiness were the capital for his business success.