B2 verb Neutral

builder

/ˈbɪldər/

A builder is a person or company that constructs or repairs buildings and structures. Metaphorically, it refers to a person, tool, or process that creates, develops, or strengthens abstract concepts such as character, wealth, or academic skills.

Examples

3 of 5
1

We hired a local builder to add an extension to our kitchen.

We employed a professional to construct an additional room for our kitchen.

2

The government aims to be a builder of international consensus on climate change.

The government intends to create a general agreement among nations regarding climate issues.

3

He's a real empire builder, always looking for new businesses to buy.

He is someone who constantly tries to expand his power and influence in business.

Word Family

Noun
builder
Verb
build
Adjective
buildable
Related
building
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Memory Tip

Think of the '-er' suffix as 'the person who.' A build-er is the person who builds.

Quick Quiz

The software is a powerful _______ of academic skills for non-native speakers.

Correct!

The correct answer is: builder

Examples

1

We hired a local builder to add an extension to our kitchen.

everyday

We employed a professional to construct an additional room for our kitchen.

2

The government aims to be a builder of international consensus on climate change.

formal

The government intends to create a general agreement among nations regarding climate issues.

3

He's a real empire builder, always looking for new businesses to buy.

informal

He is someone who constantly tries to expand his power and influence in business.

4

This online vocabulary builder helps students prepare for the standardized test.

academic

This digital tool assists learners in expanding their word knowledge for examinations.

5

She has earned a reputation as a relationship builder within the corporate sector.

business

She is known for her ability to develop professional connections in the business world.

Word Family

Noun
builder
Verb
build
Adjective
buildable
Related
building

Common Collocations

master builder a highly skilled and experienced construction expert
consensus builder someone skilled at bringing groups to an agreement
website builder a tool used to create websites without manual coding
relationship builder an activity or person that strengthens social ties
house builder a company or person that specializes in residential construction

Common Phrases

bridge builder

a person who helps groups cooperate or understand each other

body builder

a person who strengthens and enlarges their muscles through exercise

confidence builder

an activity designed to make someone feel more sure of themselves

Often Confused With

builder vs building

A builder is the person who does the work, while a building is the resulting structure.

builder vs architect

An architect designs the plans for a structure, whereas a builder carries out the physical construction.

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Usage Notes

While 'builder' usually refers to physical labor, in academic and professional contexts it is frequently used with nouns like 'vocabulary,' 'consensus,' or 'team' to describe development processes.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'building' when they mean the person (e.g., saying 'The building fixed the roof' instead of 'The builder fixed the roof').

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the '-er' suffix as 'the person who.' A build-er is the person who builds.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle English 'byldere,' stemming from the Old English 'byldan' (to construct a house).

Grammar Patterns

countable noun plural: builders often used as the second part of a compound noun (e.g., boat-builder)
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Cultural Context

In many English-speaking cultures, 'the builder' is a common trope in home ownership, often associated with tea-drinking and 'builder's tea' (strong black tea).

Quick Quiz

The software is a powerful _______ of academic skills for non-native speakers.

Correct!

The correct answer is: builder

Related Words

contraposable

C1

To subject a logical proposition to contraposition, which involves negating both the subject and the predicate and reversing their order. This operation is used in formal logic to derive a statement that is logically equivalent to the original conditional statement.

inplictude

C1

The quality or state of being implicit rather than expressly stated. It refers to the presence of underlying meanings, suggestions, or unspoken assumptions within a communication or situation.

intravincive

C1

Describing the internal forces, bonds, or links within a structure or group that promote cohesion and stability. It refers to the quality of being self-binding or inwardly connected, often preventing a system from breaking apart.

disturbward

C1

Describing a direction, tendency, or progression toward a state of disturbance, agitation, or disorder. It characterizes something that is increasingly becoming unsettled or disruptive rather than maintaining stability.

abdocion

C1

Describing a movement, force, or logical process that leads away from a central axis or established standard. It is primarily used in specialized technical contexts to describe muscles pulling a limb away from the body or ideas that diverge from a main thesis.

postturbism

C1

Relating to the state of calm or the specific social and psychological atmosphere that follows a period of intense upheaval or turbulence. It describes the condition of recovering order while still being shaped by the lingering effects of the preceding chaos.

undercidcide

C1

Refers to a state where a decision or ruling has been formulated at a subordinate or preliminary level but remains subject to higher-level review or finalization. It characterizes a provisional stage in legal or administrative processes where a result is pending official confirmation.

commedicy

C1

Describing something that possesses the structural or thematic essence of a traditional comedy, often characterized by a lighthearted tone and a resolution of conflict. It is used primarily in literary or theatrical analysis to denote the inherent 'spirit' of a humorous work.

foresedty

C1

To preemptively arrange, settle, or establish a situation in order to prevent future complications. It involves taking decisive action based on a prediction to ensure a stable and resolved state before a specific event occurs.

macrophotoity

C1

To capture or document subjects at extreme magnification, typically using specialized photographic equipment to reveal details invisible to the naked eye. This verb describes the action of producing high-resolution, close-up imagery for scientific, forensic, or artistic purposes.

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