Build up
verb
To gradually make or become stronger or more important.
It took years to build up the business.
Often appears as...
- build up confidence
- build up a reputation
verb
To accumulate or collect over time.
Dirt tends to build up in the corners.
Often appears as...
- build up dust
- build up debris
verb
To prepare or get ready for something gradually.
He had to build up courage before he could present in front of the class.
Often appears as...
- build up courage
- build up stamina
verb
To physically create or construct something over a period of time.
They plan to build up the area with new residential buildings.
Often appears as...
- build up infrastructure
- build up a city
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To promote or hype something or someone.
The concert promoter was building up the artist as the next big thing.
Often appears as...
- build up hype
- build up excitement
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To increase in size, quantity, or degree.
Tension was building up as the match continued.
Often appears as...
- build up tension
- build up pressure
verb
To gradually make or become stronger or more important.
It took years to build up the business.
Often appears as...
- build up confidence
- build up a reputation
verb
To accumulate or collect over time.
Dirt tends to build up in the corners.
Often appears as...
- build up dust
- build up debris
verb
To prepare or get ready for something gradually.
He had to build up courage before he could present in front of the class.
Often appears as...
- build up courage
- build up stamina
verb
To physically create or construct something over a period of time.
They plan to build up the area with new residential buildings.
Often appears as...
- build up infrastructure
- build up a city
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To promote or hype something or someone.
The concert promoter was building up the artist as the next big thing.
Often appears as...
- build up hype
- build up excitement
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To increase in size, quantity, or degree.
Tension was building up as the match continued.
Often appears as...
- build up tension
- build up pressure
Definition 1 of 6
Pro Tip 1/2Long-term Process
Understanding 'build up' as a gradual increase, not an instant change.
Her experience helped to build up her confidence over the years.
Pro Tip 2/2Positive Growth
'Build up' often implies positive progression or advancement.
He is working extra hours to build up his savings.
Pro Tip 1/2Long-term Process
Understanding 'build up' as a gradual increase, not an instant change.
Her experience helped to build up her confidence over the years.
Pro Tip 2/2Positive Growth
'Build up' often implies positive progression or advancement.
He is working extra hours to build up his savings.
Pro Tip 1/2Long-term Process
Understanding 'build up' as a gradual increase, not an instant change.
Her experience helped to build up her confidence over the years.
Pro Tip 2/2Positive Growth
'Build up' often implies positive progression or advancement.
He is working extra hours to build up his savings.
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