Dictionary monolingual
English
Building
ˈbɪldɪŋ
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Building -
A structure with walls and a roof, such as a house, school, or office, that is used for a particular purpose
Example: The new building on campus will house the engineering department.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional settings
Note: Commonly used in architecture, construction, and real estate contexts.
The action or process of constructing something, typically a structure
Example: The building of the bridge took over two years to complete.
Usage: formalContext: engineering or project management discussions
Note: Often used in the context of civil engineering, infrastructure development, and urban planning.
A large, imposing, or impressive structure
Example: The skyscraper stood tall as a symbol of the city's prosperity.
Usage: formalContext: describing architectural landmarks
Note: Used to emphasize the size or grandeur of a structure.
The act of developing or improving a skill, quality, or relationship over time
Example: Their friendship has been a building of trust and mutual respect.
Usage: formal/informalContext: discussions on personal growth or relationships
Note: Metaphorical use of 'building' to indicate gradual progress or development.
Building's synonyms
structure
A structure refers to a constructed object or system designed for a specific purpose.
Example: The ancient structure was a marvel of engineering.
Note: While a building is a type of structure, not all structures are buildings. Structures can include bridges, towers, or frameworks.
edifice
An edifice is a large, imposing building, often with architectural significance.
Example: The grand edifice stood tall in the city center.
Note: Edifice typically conveys a sense of grandeur or importance, whereas a building can refer to any constructed shelter or enclosure.
construction
Construction refers to the process of building or assembling a structure.
Example: The construction of the new office building will begin next month.
Note: Unlike 'building,' which can refer to a completed structure, 'construction' specifically indicates the ongoing process of creating a building.
premises
Premises refer to the land and buildings that a business or organization occupies.
Example: The company's premises include several office buildings and a warehouse.
Note: While 'building' focuses on the physical structure itself, 'premises' encompass both the building and the surrounding land or property.
Building expressions, common phrases
Break the ice
To break the ice means to initiate a conversation or social interaction, especially in a situation where people are unfamiliar with each other.
Example: Let's break the ice by talking about something non-work related.
Note: This phrase has a figurative meaning and does not directly relate to physically breaking anything like a building.
Bite the bullet
To bite the bullet means to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and resilience.
Example: I have to bite the bullet and tell my boss about the mistake I made.
Note: This phrase involves facing a difficult situation bravely, unlike building which is a physical structure.
The ball is in your court
This phrase means that the responsibility for making a decision or taking action lies with someone else.
Example: I've given you all the necessary information, so now the ball is in your court.
Note: The phrase uses a sports analogy and has no direct connection to building in a literal sense.
Back to the drawing board
This phrase is used to indicate that a plan or idea has failed and that it is necessary to start over from the beginning.
Example: The prototype didn't work as expected, so it's back to the drawing board for us.
Note: The phrase refers to going back to the initial stage of planning or designing, not to physically rebuilding a structure.
Put all your eggs in one basket
To put all your eggs in one basket means to risk everything on a single venture, which could result in losing everything if it fails.
Example: Investing all your money in one stock is risky; don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Note: This phrase involves risking everything on a single opportunity, contrasting with the stability and permanence associated with a building.
A piece of cake
When something is described as a piece of cake, it means it is very easy to do.
Example: The exam was a piece of cake; I finished it in half the time.
Note: The phrase relates to ease and simplicity, unlike the complex and labor-intensive process of constructing a building.
Burn the midnight oil
To burn the midnight oil means to work late into the night, especially to complete a task or project.
Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project before the deadline.
Note: This phrase refers to working late hours, contrasting with the physical act of construction associated with a building.
Building everyday (slang) expressions
Crib
Crib is slang for a home or residence, often used informally to refer to one's own place.
Example: Let's head back to my crib to grab the keys.
Note: The term 'crib' is more casual and colloquial than 'building', emphasizing a sense of familiarity and personal ownership.
Pad
Pad is a slang term for a dwelling or living space, commonly used to describe one's home or apartment.
Example: I'll meet you at my pad after work.
Note: Unlike 'building', 'pad' conveys a more relaxed and informal tone, typically associated with a personal or cozy living space.
Spot
Spot is slang for a particular place or location, often used to refer to a specific spot within a building or area.
Example: We found a cool spot downtown for the party.
Note: While 'building' refers to the structure itself, 'spot' highlights a specific area or place within that building or location.
Joint
Joint is a slang term for a place, typically used to describe a restaurant, bar, or social establishment.
Example: Let's grab a coffee at that new joint down the street.
Note: Unlike 'building', 'joint' is more casual and implies a social or hangout setting rather than just a physical structure.
Digs
Digs is slang for a place where someone lives or stays, often referring to a residence or accommodation.
Example: Her new digs are really nice - you should check them out.
Note: While 'building' is a generic term for any structure, 'digs' specifically emphasizes the living or housing aspect of the place.
Abode
Abode is a more formal slang term for a place where someone lives or resides, commonly used to describe a home or dwelling.
Example: His abode is a quaint little cottage by the lake.
Note: Compared to the neutral term 'building', 'abode' has a slightly more elevated or literary connotation, often associated with a sense of coziness or refuge.
Hangout
Hangout is slang for a place where people regularly meet or socialize, often used to describe a favorite spot for gatherings.
Example: The abandoned warehouse became our secret hangout spot.
Note: Unlike 'building', 'hangout' carries a social connotation, emphasizing the place's function as a meeting point or social hub rather than just a physical structure.
Building - Examples
The building is under construction.
The city has many historic buildings.
The architect designed a unique building.
Building grammar
Building - Verb (Verb) / Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle)
Lemma: build
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): builds
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): build
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): built
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): built
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): building
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): builds
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): build
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): build
Syllables, Separation and Stress
building Contains 2 syllables: build • ing
Phonetic transcription: ˈbil-diŋ
build ing , ˈbil diŋ (The red syllable is stressed)
Building - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
building: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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