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build
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- pronunciation:
- bIld
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
- phrases:
- build up
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word History, Word Builder, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
builds, building, built |
| definition 1: |
to create by joining various parts and materials; construct.
They built a shed in the backyard.These stone churches were built to last.
- synonyms:
- construct
- antonyms:
- disassemble, dismantle, tear down
- similar words:
- assemble, create, erect, fabricate, form, frame, make, manufacture, rear
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| definition 2: |
to form or create.
The country is building ties with its former enemy.The coach hopes to build a strong team this year.- synonyms:
- create, form
- antonyms:
- destroy, eradicate
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| definition 3: |
to strengthen or enlarge.
Success built her confidence.- synonyms:
- develop, strengthen
- antonyms:
- decrease, diminish, weaken
- similar words:
- augment, enlarge, fortify, heighten, increase, intensify, magnify, reinforce, swell
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| related words: |
compose, craft, develop, found, manufacture, produce, raise, weave |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition 1: |
to create structures by putting parts together.
Most toddlers enjoy building with blocks. |
| definition 2: |
to be employed in construction, esp. of houses or other large structures.
He's been building with this company for a number of years now.- similar words:
- labor
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| definition 3: |
to grow in size, amount, or intensity.
Listen to the music build.The tension builds during this scene.The nation's debt continues to build.- synonyms:
- develop, intensify, swell
- antonyms:
- decrease, diminish, reduce
- similar words:
- accrue, grow, heighten, increase, mount
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adverb + (v.)build
gradually, newly, originally, powerfully, solidly, specially
(v.)build
+ noun
acre,
airplane,
arsenal,
barn,
bomb,
brand,
brick,
bridge,
cabin,
canal,
capacity,
casino,
castle,
cathedral,
coalition,
complex,
confidence,
consensus,
dam,
empire,
endurance,
equity,
facility,
factory,
fence,
following,
foundation,
house,
housing,
hut,
infrastructure,
layer,
levee,
lodge,
log,
momentum,
monument,
mosque,
muscle,
nest,
network,
observatory,
palace,
partnership,
pipeline,
plant,
platform,
prototype,
pyramid,
railroad,
ramp,
reactor,
refinery,
reputation,
reservoir,
robot,
scratch,
self-esteem,
shelter,
shrine,
stadium,
strength,
structure,
subdivision,
telescope,
temple,
tower,
trust,
tunnel
[See all][See only the most frequent]
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| phrase: |
build up |
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| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
of a person, physical structure; physique; figure.
Because of her slim build, she fit into the costume easily.- synonyms:
- physique
- similar words:
- body, figure, frame
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| definition 2: |
a steady increase, as in volume or intensity.
Now comes the slow build toward the crescendo. |
| related words: |
form |
adjective + (n.)build
athletic,
average,
compact,
delicate,
lanky,
lean,
medium,
muscular,
powerful,
short,
similar,
slender,
slight,
slim,
slow,
solid,
stocky,
sturdy,
tall,
thick,
thin,
wiry
[See all][See only the most frequent]
noun + (n.)build
athlete, body, height
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The word build comes from bilden, an early English word that means "a dwelling or house." The current spelling did not appear until the late 1500s.
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