build
gb/bˈɪld/ us/bˈɪld/
A2
English
~ 500
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
to make by assembling parts
To make something by joining parts or materials.
Usage pattern:
to build [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'build' with 'make' or 'do'. Use 'build' when something is created by putting parts together.
Synonyms
construct (More formal and often used in technical or professional contexts.)
Antonyms
demolish (Refers to destroying a structure, the opposite of building it.)
Collocations
build a house
|build a bridge
|build a company
|build a career
|build a wall
Themes
daily life
|construction
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They plan to build a new library in the city center.
- The company will build a factory near the river.
- We worked together to build the wooden shed.
- He built the model airplane from scratch.
Learner examples
- We will build a new school.
- They build houses in this area.
- My father can build a table.
- We build with wood and nails.
Verb
B1
action
2
to create or increase gradually
To make something stronger, bigger, or better over time.
Usage pattern:
to build [something]
Common mistake:
Some learners think 'build' only refers to physical things. It also applies to ideas and relationships.
Synonyms
develop (Focuses on gradual progress or growth rather than construction.)
Antonyms
undermine (Means to weaken or damage something that has been developed.)
Collocations
build a relationship
|build trust
|build confidence
|build skills
Themes
business
|personal development
|core_vocabulary
|work
Examples
- She worked hard to build her reputation as a lawyer.
- We need to build stronger connections with our clients.
- The training program will help build your leadership skills.
Learner examples
- I want to build my English skills.
- We build trust by being honest.
- He builds good relationships at work.
Noun
B1
entity
3
body shape and size
The general shape and size of a person's body.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'build' (body shape) with 'building' (structure). Context usually makes it clear.
Synonyms
physique (More formal; often used in fitness or modeling contexts.)
Antonyms
frame (small/large) (Not always an opposite, but can contrast body sizes.)
Collocations
slim build
|athletic build
|medium build
Themes
health
|appearance
|body
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He has an athletic build from years of swimming.
- She is of medium build and average height.
- The suspect was described as tall with a slim build.
Learner examples
- He has a big build.
- She is slim in build.
- My brother has a strong build.
Verb
technical
B2
action
4
compile code into software
In computers, to change code into a program you can run.
Usage pattern:
to build [a program]
Common mistake:
Non-technical learners may confuse this with physically constructing something. In tech, it means making software ready to run.
Synonyms
compile (More technical; specifically refers to translating code into machine language.)
Antonyms
debug (Not an exact opposite, but refers to fixing errors rather than producing the final executable.)
Collocations
build an app
|build the software
|build process
Themes
technology
|computing
Examples
- You need to build the project before running it.
- The developers built the app for both Android and iOS.
- This script automates the process of building the software.
Learner examples
- I will build the game on my computer.
- We build the app before we test it.
- The program will not run until you build it.
Grammar
Dictionary form
build
IPA
GB/bˈɪld/
US/bˈɪld/
Syllables & stress
build (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (build)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: build
- Plural: builds
Verb
- Base: build
- 3rd Person Singular: builds
- Present Participle: building
- Past: built
- Past Participle: built
Word family
Forms
Core family
builder
noun A2
Related words
rebuild
verb A2
Advanced or less common
buildable
adjective
Highlights
- Irregular past: built Verb
- Irregular past participle: built Verb
Expressions
build from scratch
1/bˈɪld fɹˈʌm skɹˈæt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
create completely new without existing parts
To make something new without using anything that already exists.
Examples
- They built the website from scratch in just two weeks.
- She built her business from scratch after moving to the city.
build into
1/bˈɪld ˈɪntu/
phrasal verb
include during construction or creation
To include something as part of making something else.
Examples
- The designers built safety features into the car.
- We need to build more flexibility into the schedule.
build on
1/bˈɪld ˈɔn/
phrasal verb
use as a foundation for progress
To use something you have already done as a base for more work or progress.
Examples
- We can build on last year's success to expand our business.
- The course builds on the basics you learned before.
build up
1/bˈɪld ˈʌp/
phrasal verb
increase gradually over time
To slowly make something bigger, stronger, or more intense.
Examples
- Traffic began to build up on the highway during rush hour.
- She built up her savings over several years.
Rome wasn’t built in a day
1/ɹˈoʊm wˈʌzənt bˈɪlt ˈɪn ə dˈeɪ/
idiom
important things take time to finish
You need time to do important things well; they can't be done quickly.
Examples
- Be patient with your studies—Rome wasn’t built in a day.
- It will take time to see results. Rome wasn’t built in a day.