to build

Examples

• All

• To enhance its effectiveness, this formula is designed to build up the cleaning action when mixed with water.

• So your brush will start to, you know, build up with material after a little while.

• Coverage is probably medium, but I'm building it up a little bit.

• You gotta build in enough time to brake before chicane one.

  Gran Turismo (2023)

• Our child's emotional well-being is built on this intimate dance of communication.

  Academic text (2011)

• In addition, three schools held "kick-off assemblies" or health fairs to introduce and build enthusiasm for the program.

  Academic text (2011)

• They just don't emphasize the dryness, but you're able to build up with with the coverage.

• This new product is formulated to build up residue on surfaces, making it more efficient at removing grime.

Idioms

B

to build a moat

2 7.4

To dig a deep, wide ditch around a building and fill it with water to protect it

B

to build on sand

• Informal

1 7.6

To base a plan or belief on a weak foundation that will likely fail

B

to build a bridge and get over it

• Informal

9.4

Tell someone to stop worrying about a problem and move on

B

to build a fiefdom

8.9

To create a separate area of power for oneself inside an organization

B

build the plane while flying it

• Informal

9.4

Make or improve something while people already use it, fixing problems as you go

Phrasal Verbs

B

to build up

207 3.0

Increase slowly over time

B

to build on

179 3.4

Use something you already have as a base for new work

B

to build in

58 3.8

To make something a permanent part of something larger

B

to build upon

26 3.4

Use something as a base for further work

B

to build a case

24 4.2

Gather and organize facts and evidence to support a claim or accusation

B

to build up

• Specialized

23 5.7

Make soldiers and weapons stronger before a fight

B

to build up

• Specialized

10 3.2

Make empty land into buildings or roads

B

to build a fence

7 1.8

To make a barrier of wood, metal, or wire around land to keep animals and people out

B

to build character

6 3.5

Learn to be honest and strong by facing hard experiences

B

to build character

• Jargon

1 4.1

Create a fictional person by choosing their looks, skills, and history

H

to hand-build

1 6.5

To make pots or bowls by shaping clay with your hands without using a wheel

B

to build a moat

• Jargon

1 7.5

To create strong protections for a business or product so competitors cannot copy it

B

to build to a crescendo

1 7.1

Gradually become stronger until a high point

Compounds

B

build-out

• Specialized

5 4.5

Work to make a space ready for use, like an office or shop

B

body-build

3.2

The shape, size, and strength of a person's body

U

unmuscular build

5.7

A body with little muscle that looks thin or soft

How Effective

to supercharge

1 5.8

to build

• Specialized

250 7.2

to enhance

424 4.0

to boost

265 2.5

to aid

238 1.0

Surface Forms

Etymology