build up — to gradually increase in amount, intensity, or degree; to accumulate over time
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to gradually increase in amount, intensity, or degree; to accumulate over time
Pronunciation (IPA): /bɪld ʌp/
Example Sentences
- My little brother's anger built up all week until he finally exploded over a missing cookie.
- She built up her vocabulary by learning ten new words every day.
- After months of build-up, the concert tickets finally went on sale, and the website crashed in five seconds.
build up
VERB[/bɪld ʌp/]
to gradually increase in amount, intensity, or degree; to accumulate over time
The coach helped her build up her stamina over weeks of training.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Build up is a phrasal verb combining the Germanic verb 'build' (to construct or erect) with the directional adverb 'up' (upward). Originating from the literal physical act of constructing buildings by stacking materials layer upon layer, the term has evolved from concrete architectural practices to encompass abstract accumulation.
Breakdown
build (Germanic: to construct, assemble) + up (directional particle: upward, progressively) → to stack or accumulate upward → to increase or strengthen gradually over time.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My little brother's anger built up all week until he finally exploded over a missing cookie.”
“She built up her vocabulary by learning ten new words every day.”
“After months of build-up, the concert tickets finally went on sale, and the website crashed in five seconds.”
“Regular exercise helps build up your immune system.”
“The dust had built up so much on his desk that his textbook looked like a fossil.”
📚Related Words
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