build
/bɪld/
verb
Origin
Proto-Germanic
*bōtl- — dwelling
Overview
Meaning Now
- To construct something by putting parts or material together.
- To develop, strengthen, or increase something over a period of time.
- To establish or base something on a specific foundation.
Literal older meaning
to construct a dwelling
Language path
Proto-Germanic → Old English → English
Earliest form
byldan
Earliest period
Old English
Journey
The word originates from the Germanic noun for 'dwelling' or 'house'. Historically, it was used specifically for building houses, but it expanded to mean construction in general and eventually abstract development.
Evolution
- Proto-Germanic
*buthjan
“to build a dwelling”
- Old English
byldan
“to construct, to build”
derived from 'bold' (dwelling)
- Middle English
bilden
“to construct”
- Modern English
build
“to construct; to develop”
Connections
Word parts
build
root
to construct
Related across languages
Old High German
būan
to dwell
Old Norse
búa
to dwell, to prepare
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Related to build
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.