Building

Definition

Building is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a structure with walls and a roof, such as a house, school, or factory, that is designed for occupation or use. As a verb, it means the act of constructing or creating a structure or an entity.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɪldɪŋ/
• Respelling: BIL-ding

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɪldɪŋ/
• Respelling: BIL-ding

Etymology

The word "building" originates from Old English "byldan," meaning "to construct a house," which is related to Proto-Germanic "*budlōną" (to dwell) and Old Norse "bua" (to live). The term evolved to refer both to the act of construction and the structures themselves in Middle and Modern English.

Derivatives

• Builder (noun)
• Rebuild (verb)
• Building site (noun)
• Building permit (noun)
• Building block (noun)

Synonyms

• Structure
• Edifice
• Construction

Antonyms

• Demolition
• Destruction
• Ruins

Usage

The term "building" is commonly used to describe physical structures as well as the act of construction. For example, "The new building is almost complete," or "They are building a bridge over the river."

Related Terms

• Construction: The process of building something, typically large structures.
• Architecture: The art and science of designing buildings.
• Infrastructure: The basic physical systems and structures needed for a society.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A structure with walls and a roof, designed for occupation or use: Refers to any physical structure intended for human use or function.
  • Example: "The office building has twenty floors."
• The act or process of constructing something: Used in contexts that refer to the activity of creating a structure.
  • Example: "The building of the bridge took three years."

Verb

• To construct or create a structure or entity: Describes the process of assembling materials or developing something functional or meaningful.
  • Example: "They are building a new school in the community."