Noun
/ʃæpɪtər/
The word "chapiter" refers to a type of architectural element, specifically the crown or top part of a column or pilaster that supports the architrave. It is less commonly used compared to its more standard counterpart, "capital." The term is derived from historical architectural lexicons, and its usage is primarily found in specialized fields such as architecture and art history.
In terms of frequency, "chapiter" is much less common in everyday language than "capital" and is mostly used in written contexts, especially in scholarly articles, architectural texts, or discussions about classic structures.
The ancient temple's chapiter was ornately decorated with intricate carvings.
El chapiter del antiguo templo estaba ornamente decorado con intrincados grabados.
Art historians often study the details of a chapiter to understand the cultural influences of the time.
Los historiadores del arte a menudo estudian los detalles de un chapiter para comprender las influencias culturales de la época.
The restoration of the chapiter was vital for preserving the integrity of the historical building.
La restauración del chapiter fue vital para preservar la integridad del edificio histórico.
Although "chapiter" is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, the related term "capital" does appear in several idiomatic contexts that might be relevant when exploring its usage further. Here are a few relevant idiomatic expressions featuring "capital":
"Capital idea!"
¡Idea de capital!
(Meaning: A great idea!)
"Working capital"
Capital de trabajo
(Refers to the funds available for day-to-day operations of a business.)
"At the capital"
En la capital
(Refers to being in the capital city of a country.)
The decision to expand the business was a capital idea that led to significant growth.
La decisión de expandir el negocio fue una idea de capital que llevó a un crecimiento significativo.
For a start-up, having sufficient working capital is crucial for survival.
Para una nueva empresa, contar con suficiente capital de trabajo es crucial para la supervivencia.
They traveled to the capital to attend an important meeting.
Viajaron a la capital para asistir a una reunión importante.
The word "chapiter" originates from the Latin term "capitia," which is a derivative of "caput," meaning "head." This etymological development highlights its architectural significance, as it represents the 'head' or 'top' of a column.
Synonyms:
- Capital (in architecture)
- Top
- Crown
Antonyms:
- Base (of a column)
- Bottom
In summary, while "chapiter" is a specialized term in architectural contexts, its use is considerably less frequent than its more commonly known synonyms, which can lead to some confusion. Nonetheless, it embodies an important concept within its niche, especially in the study of classical architecture.