build up

phraseB22 meaningsNot compared — the two pools are counted one word at a time, so a phrase has no score

To build up is to increase gradually over time. Layer on layer, until it is significant.

It covers traffic, pressure, savings, muscle and reputation, all of which accumulate rather than arrive. It splits round an object. The noun buildup means the accumulation itself and also the period of anticipation before an event, so the build-up to a match is the coverage beforehand. Building somebody up means either strengthening them or praising them in advance, which can be a kindness or a trap.

Definitions of build up

1phrasebuild upTo increase or accumulate gradually.B2
“Pressure will build up behind that valve.”
2phrasestrengthenTo strengthen or promote something gradually.B2
“They spent years trying to build up the business.”

Practised in Phrasal Verbs, A Man Called Ove

First appears in chapter 33 of A Man Called Ove.

Practise this word

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build up

phraseB22 meaningsNot compared — the two pools are counted one word at a time, so a phrase has no score

To build up is to increase gradually over time. Layer on layer, until it is significant.

Definitions of build up

1phrasebuild upTo increase or accumulate gradually.B2
“Pressure will build up behind that valve.”
2phrasestrengthenTo strengthen or promote something gradually.B2
“They spent years trying to build up the business.”

Practised in Phrasal Verbs, A Man Called Ove

First appears in chapter 33 of A Man Called Ove.

Practise this word