build

To make something by putting materials or parts together.

• They build houses.
• We built a small boat from wood.
• Can you help me build this shelf?

How to use it: build something from/out of something (We built a tower out of wooden blocks.)

Similar words: make, construct

Opposites: demolish

Common phrases: build a house, build a bridge, build with something, build a shed

To make something stronger, larger, or better over time.

• Practice helps you build confidence.
• They built a successful business together.
• We can build on last year’s success.

How to use it: build on/upon something (The team built on its earlier research.); build something up (Regular exercise builds your strength up.)

Similar words: develop, strengthen, increase

Opposites: weaken

Common phrases: build confidence, build a business, build on something, build up strength

The size and shape of someone’s body.

• He has a slim build.
• The two sisters are of similar build.
• Her muscular build helped her lift the heavy bags.

How to use it: of a particular build (The suspect is of medium build.)

Similar words: physique, body type

Common phrases: medium build, slim build, of similar build, sturdy build

A particular version of a computer program, often made during development.

• Download the latest build.
• This build fixes several bugs.
• We tested three builds before releasing the program.

How to use it: a build of something (This is an early build of the app.)

Similar words: version

Common phrases: latest build, test build, build of something

A structure or scene that a player makes in a video game.

• My latest build is a castle.
• She shared pictures of her builds online.
• This build took hundreds of blocks to complete.

Similar words: creation, structure

Common phrases: minecraft build, castle build, build in something

The work or time involved in making a physical object.

• The model was an easy build.
• Rain delayed the house build.
• We changed the design during the build.

Similar words: construction, assembly

Common phrases: house build, easy build, during the build