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Glite Dictionary
to build on

to build on

301 3.4
Use something you already have as a base for new work
  • phrasal verb
  • /bɪld ɑn/
: basarse en
  • And then we're going to just build on those areas.
  • build on a foundation
  • build on strengths
  • build on an idea

Right now your brand is built on straw and sticks.

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Examples

  • We can build on your previous research to develop a new theory.

  • Civilization is built on these small acts of submission to authority.

    The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (1989)

  • And my entire career has been built on these digital tools.

    The Diary Of A CEO

  • How can they build on what you started, what you created?

  • And you can build anything on top of a strong foundation.

  • OK, now we're going to build on top of this.

  • Strong communities are also built on values, on the golden rule.

  • Now, relationships are essentially built on trust.

    Trespass (2011)

  • I want an immigration system that is built on honesty.

    Lex Fridman

  • You see, Prestige was built on a foundation of honor and character.

    Due Season (2022)

Synonyms

to build upon
vsto build on
33 3.4

Use something as a base for further work

has identical meaning but uses a different phrasing
to found
vsto build on
  • Formal
1 3.9

Base an idea or argument on evidence

applies more broadly to starting progress or practical development

Antonyms

to abandon
607 3.1

Leave someone or something behind permanently and without care

neglect
94 3.5

Not caring for someone or something that needs care

How Foundational

to found
  • Formal
1 3.9
to build on
301 3.4
to rely on
725 1.0
to draw
357 3.0

Surface Forms

build on infinitive
building on present participle
builds on third person singular
built on past
built on past participle

Morphology

build + on

The meaning 'to use something as a foundation or starting point' is directly derivable from combining 'build' (to create or increase) with 'on' (indicating basis or support). This compositional pattern is cross‑linguistically common and follows straightforward English prepositional usage, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reliably infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

The phrasal verb build on comes from the image of adding new parts to an existing house: you build something on a base that is already there. So it means 'to use something as a base or starting point for more work'.