build on

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To add additional elements or components to (a framework, a concept, a device, etc.) in order to extend it.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

thêm các yếu tố hoặc thành phần vào để mở rộng

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger knew victory was essential here to build on the foundations of last week's 5-1 demolition of Everton and also to keep up the pursuit of a place in the top four.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “build on” mean?

To add additional elements or components to (a framework, a concept, a device, etc.) in order to extend it.

Is “build on” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.