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Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
build verb (built, building) 1 to make or construct something from parts. 2 (also build up) intrans to increase gradually in size, strength, amount, intensity, etc; to develop Outside the excitement was building. See also build something up below. 3 to make in a specified way or for a specified purpose built to last a garden built for convenience. 4 to control the building of something; to have something built The government built two new housing schemes. noun physical form, especially that of the human body; style of construction He had a slim build.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon byldan.
build something in or on to something to make it in such a way that it forms a permanent part of or addition to some larger thing built a garage on to the side of the house. See also built-in. build on something 1 to add it on by building. 2 to use (a previous success, etc) as a basis from which to develop. 3 to base (hopes, etc) or achieve (success, etc) on something success built on hard work. build someone or something up to speak with great enthusiasm about them or it. build something up to build it in stages or gradually. See also separate entries build-up, built-up. |
building noun 1 the business, process, art or occupation of constructing houses, etc. 2 a structure with walls and a roof, such as a house.
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The Chambers Dictionary (13th edition)
“Chambers is the one I keep at my right hand”- Philip Pullman.
The unrivalled dictionary for word lovers, now in its 13th edition.
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The Chambers Thesaurus
The Chambers Thesaurus (4th Edition) is a veritable treasure-trove, including the greatest selection of alternative words and phrases available in an A to Z format. -
Chambers Biographical Dictionary
“Simply all you need to know about anyone” – Fay Weldon.
Thoroughly revised and updated for its 9th edition.




Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
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