build up

[/bɪld ʌp/]

verb (phrasal verb) / noun

acumular, aumentar, construir

1. to gradually increase in amount, size, or intensity

Pressure has been building up in the tank.

A pressão tem se acumulado no tanque.

2. to construct or develop something gradually

She built up her business from scratch.

Ela construiu seu negócio do zero.

3. to strengthen physically or emotionally; to boost confidence

Exercise builds up your muscles and confidence.

O exercício fortalece seus músculos e sua confiança.

4. to promote or publicize something excessively

The media built up the new film as a masterpiece.

A mídia promoveu o novo filme como uma obra-prima.

5. noun: a gradual increase or accumulation

There was a buildup of traffic during rush hour.

Houve um acúmulo de trânsito durante a hora de pico.

NYC Slang

stack up (to accumulate); beef up (to strengthen)

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

acumular, aumentar

Most common usage in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

montar, aumentar

Can also mean 'to set up' or 'to assemble'

São Paulo

construir, potencializar

Used in business contexts with emphasis on development

Portugal

acumular, intensificar

Often refers to tension or pressure building

build up to something (lead gradually toward a climax)

build someone up (boost someone's confidence)

buildup of tension (gradual increase in stress)

buildup of troops (military accumulation)

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