build
They will build a new house next year.
They will construct a new house next year.
To construct something by putting parts together
The company builds cars in Detroit.
The company manufactures cars in Detroit.
She built a sandcastle on the beach.
She created a sandcastle by shaping sand.
Often implies gradual assembly or growth over time.
To increase or develop something gradually
He built his savings over years.
He increased his savings gradually over years.
Can refer to intangible things like confidence, relationships, or skills.
To shape or mold something, often figuratively
The teacher helps students build confidence.
The teacher helps students develop confidence.
Common in phrases like 'build a career' or 'build a reputation'.
The physical structure of something
The build of the car is very sleek.
The design and construction of the car is very sleek.
Refers to the way something is constructed or its physical characteristics.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'build' vs. 'make'
'Build' implies assembling from separate parts (e.g., 'build a car'), while 'make' can refer to creating something from raw materials (e.g., 'make a cake').
Gold Rule
Use 'build' for physical structures or gradual development
Reserve 'build' for tangible constructions (e.g., 'build a wall') or intangible growth (e.g., 'build trust'). For quick creation, use 'make' (e.g., 'make a decision').
Word Origin
Old English 'byldan' (to construct, make), from Proto-Germanic '*bulthjan' (to dwell), related to 'būan' (to dwell). Cognates include Dutch 'bouwen' and German 'bauen'.
Usage Notes
The verb 'build' is transitive and often followed by the object being constructed (e.g., 'build a bridge'). It can also be used intransitively in contexts like 'the house is building' (archaic) or 'build up' (phrasal verb).