Cap Meaning
Cap Definition & Usage
A soft, usually flat or rounded head covering worn for warmth, style, or protection from the sun.
Examples
- "She wore a baseball cap to shield her eyes from the sun."
- "The cap on the bottle was so tight that it took two people to open it."
- "He wore his cap backward, a style popular among teenagers."
- "After the hike, he took off his cap and wiped his sweaty forehead."
- "The captain of the team handed the winning cap to the MVP."
The highest or utmost point of something, such as a career, achievement, or process.
Examples
- "Winning the championship was the cap of her illustrious career."
- "The cap of the mountain is covered in snow year-round."
- "This award is the cap of my project after years of work."
- "The singer's concert tour was the cap of a very successful year."
- "Their relationship hit its cap when they decided to move in together."
To set a limit on something, particularly in financial or quantity-related contexts.
Examples
- "The company decided to cap the bonuses for this year due to budget constraints."
- "The government has capped the amount of fuel a person can purchase each month."
- "She capped her spending on clothes to avoid going over budget."
- "The school has capped the number of students allowed in each class."
- "The hotel caps its rates during peak season to prevent overbooking."
Cultural Context
The word 'cap' has a long history, originating from the Latin word 'caput' meaning 'head.' It has evolved from referring to a simple head covering to broader metaphorical uses. In modern contexts, 'cap' is frequently associated with sports (such as a 'baseball cap') and achievements (e.g., the 'capstone' of a career). It has also become common in business and legal language when referring to limits or maximums (e.g., 'cap on expenses').
The Cap of Ambition
Story
The Cap of Ambition
Maria had always dreamed of reaching the peak of her profession, and she could finally say she had. As she stood on the rooftop of the towering building, looking out at the city below, she couldn't help but think of all the steps it took to get here. Her journey had been long and filled with obstacles, but now, she was at the top—her capstone achievement in sight. The awards ceremony was the highlight of the year, a grand affair with champagne and speeches, but for Maria, the real reward was in the culmination of her hard work. The awards themselves were a symbol, but the cap on her career was what truly mattered. Later, as she walked through the hall, her colleagues gathered around to congratulate her. 'Maria, you've really capped it all off with this one,' said John, her colleague. 'You’ve reached the highest point.' She smiled, adjusting her black cap, which had become her signature accessory over the years. Her baseball cap wasn't just for style; it had become a symbol of resilience and determination. As the evening went on, they spoke about the future, and how everyone had to cap their expectations in order to stay grounded. 'We all have our limits,' she said, 'but what matters is how you push those limits. That’s where growth happens.'
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