capacious - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
capacious Word Meanings
- having a lot of space; spacious
- able to hold much; roomy
- figuratively: able to accommodate many ideas or feelings
capacious Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
capacious Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kəˈpeɪ.ʃəs/
US
/kəˈpeɪ.ʃəs/
capacious Word Etymology
Root decomposition: cap- (to take) + -acious (full of). Historical origin: Latin 'capax' → Old French 'capace' → English 'capacious'. Memory image: Imagine a large, sturdy suitcase that can hold all your favorite things, representing the spaciousness of 'capacious'.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Capacious describes objects or spaces that can hold a large amount. It can refer to physical dimensions, like a capacious suitcase, a roomy room, or a wide closet, as well as figurative capacity, such as a capacious mind or a capacious approach to problems. It carries a positive nuance of generosity, abundance, and openness to accommodate many things or ideas. The word emphasizes not just size, but usable space and potential. Although similar to spacious or roomy, capacious often implies ample storage or far-reaching capacity beyond immediate needs, making it a strong word for describing environments, plans, or attitudes that welcome variety and information.
Usage Reminders
- Capacious emphasizes actual capacity as well as space.
- It is not just about being large visually.
- It often appears in formal or literary contexts.
- It pairs well with nouns like bag, suitcase, room, or mind.
- It can contrast with spacious in nuance, so check the exact meaning before choosing.
Common Misconceptions
- It only describes physical size, not capacity.
- It is interchangeable with spacious in all contexts.
- It cannot describe abstract ideas or feelings.
- It implies luxury or extravagance in every context.
- It is common in everyday casual speech.
Thinking Differences
For English learners, capacious is a formal, literary alternative to roomy or spacious; learners often pick spacious when they want a simple sense of size, or confuse capacity with just big spaces.
Learning Tips
- Pair capacious with concrete nouns like suitcase, room, or trunk to signal capacity.
- Note that capacious can describe minds or attitudes, not just spaces.
- Use in formal writing or literary contexts for emphasis.
- Compare with spacious and roomy to grasp nuances of capacity vs size.
- Avoid using capacious to describe small spaces or where size alone matters.
- Check collocations: a capacious mind, a capacious shelf, a capacious capacity.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'capacious'?
A.Small and limited in space
B.Narrow and confined
C.Able to hold much; spacious or roomy
D.Fragile and delicate
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'capacious'?
A.The capricious cat chased after the mouse.
B.The bag was so capacious that it could hold all my books and clothes.
C.Her capricious decision left everyone confused.
D.He was utterly capacious about his feelings.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'capacious'?
A.Cumbersome
B.Unwieldy
C.Spacious
D.Compact
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'capacious'?
A.Tight
B.Roomy
C.Expansive
D.Open
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where a capacious space is necessary?
A.A small backpack for hiking.
B.An empty room with no furniture.
C.A large suitcase for family travel.
D.A cramped studio apartment.
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