build-up — a gradual increase or accumulation of something over time
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a gradual increase or accumulation of something over time
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbɪld ʌp/
Example Sentences
- The build-up to my exam was so stressful that I ate three bags of chips in one night.
- Doctors warned about the build-up of fat around his heart after years of fried chicken.
- The build-up of dust on the shelf was so thick you could write your name in it.
build-up
NOUN[/ˈbɪld ʌp/]
a gradual increase or accumulation of something over time
The build-up of traffic before the tunnel stretched for miles that Friday evening.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the verb 'build' (Old English 'byldan', to construct) combined with the directional particle 'up', originally describing physical construction upward, later extended metaphorically to any gradual accumulation.
Breakdown
build (to construct, accumulate) + up (upward, increasing) → gradual accumulation
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The build-up to my exam was so stressful that I ate three bags of chips in one night.”
“Doctors warned about the build-up of fat around his heart after years of fried chicken.”
“The build-up of dust on the shelf was so thick you could write your name in it.”
“There was a gradual build-up of excitement before the concert started.”
“Government officials expressed concern over the military build-up near the border.”
📚Related Words
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