build Hear it!

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build definition

build (bild)

transitive verb built or Archaicbuilded build′ed, building build′·ing

    1. to make by putting together materials, parts, etc.; construct; erect
    2. to order, plan, or direct the construction of
  2. to make a basis for; establish to build a theory on facts
  3. to cause to be or grow; create or develop: often with up to build good will, to build up a business

Etymology: ME bilden < OE byldan, to build < base of bold, a house, akin to ON bua: see bondage

intransitive verb

    1. to put up a building
    2. to have a house, etc. built
  2. to be in the business of building houses, etc.
  3. to increase in amount, force, etc.; grow or intensify: often with up
  4. to depend or be based (on) this theory builds on others

noun

the way a thing is built or shaped; form or figure a stocky build
build Idioms

build up

  1. to make more desirable or attractive to build up a product by advertising
  2. to erect many buildings in (an area)

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

idioms build idiom

build Synonyms

build

v.

  1. To construct

    erect, construct, frame, raise, rear, make, manufacture, put together, fit together, fabricate, contrive, carpenter, assemble, put up, set up, model, hammer together, knock together, throw together, throw up, pile stone on stone, sculpture, fashion, compose, evolve, develop, compile, cast, reconstruct, chisel, hew, mold, produce, forge, block out, bring about, create, devise, carve, weave; see also create 2, form 1.

    Antonyms destroy*, demolish*, wreck. *

  2. To increase

    mount, wax, swell, intensify; see grow 1, 2, increase 1, strengthen.

  3. To found

    establish, formulate, institute, constitute; see establish 2, organize 2.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

build Usage Examples

Object

  • relationship: We seek to build relationships over many years with our clients.

Preposition: on

  • success: This event will build on the success of previous years.

Followed by an intransitive particle

  • upon: Part CeMap or FPC qualifications are required as a platform to build upon and develop further.

Particle object: up_obj

  • reputation: It's also hard to get ' brand ' going, and build up a reputation.

Followed by an intransitive particle

  • up: The ground on each side of the channel has been built up to the level of the concrete wash walls.

Followed by a transitive particle

  • up: We also offer built up price from £ 6.00 per item.

Preposition: by

  • Roman: Historical Monuments Hadrian's Wall, is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain.

Preposition: in

  • wardrobe: The bedroom is of a single size with large built in wardrobes.

Preposition: of

  • brick: The village is built of local bricks from Jordan Hill, a mile to the east.

Preposition: from

  • scratch: The map is built from scratch and develops as the vehicle moves.

Infinitive complement

  • comply: All Rights Reserved | Crown Copyright This site has been built to comply with the W3C AA accessibility standards.
build usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

build quotes

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Atimeto be born, and atimeto die; atimetoplant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; Atimetoweep, and atimeto laugh; atimetomourn, and a time to dance: A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

-Bible (Old Testament)

They listened at his heart. Littleölessönothing!öand that ended it. No more to build on there. And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs.

-Frost, Robert Lee

Birds buildöbut not I build; no, but strain, Time's eunuch, and not breed one work that wakes. Mine,O thou lord of life, send my roots rain.

-Hopkins, SirAnthony

build quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"build." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/build>

APA Style

build. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/build

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