Build vs. Construct: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Build" generally means to create or assemble something, often implying a process or development, while "construct" is more specific, referring to the systematic assembly of something, typically structures, using specific materials and plans.
Key Differences
Build encompasses a broader spectrum of creation, including the formation or development of abstract concepts, relationships, or physical objects. Construct, in contrast, specifically refers to the making of something from individual parts, often implying a more structured and planned process.
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Nov 30, 2023
The term build is versatile, used in both tangible and intangible contexts, like building a house or building trust. Construct is more concrete, primarily used for physical structures, requiring materials and a blueprint.
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Build can imply a gradual process, focusing on the act of putting together components over time. Construct, however, often denotes a more immediate and practical application, such as constructing a building or a machine.
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In technology and software, to build can mean to compile software from code, indicating a process of development and testing. To construct in such contexts is less common and would imply the actual assembly of hardware or complex systems.
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The metaphorical use of build is common, like building a case or an argument, denoting the gradual assembly of ideas. Construct is less often used metaphorically and remains closely tied to physical or systematic assembly.
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Nov 30, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Create or assemble with a broader implication.
Systematically assemble, usually structures.
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Context of Use
Both tangible and intangible contexts.
Primarily for physical, structured projects.
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Process Implication
Implies a gradual, developmental process.
Indicates a planned, systematic assembly.
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Usage in Technology
Refers to software compilation and development.
Implies the assembly of hardware or systems.
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Metaphorical Use
Common in building concepts or ideas.
Less common, stays close to physical assembly.
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Build and Construct Definitions
Build
To compile and assemble software from code.
The team is building the new app version for release.
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Construct
To formulate a plan or proposal methodically.
The team constructed a detailed business plan.
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Construct
To form an idea or theory systematically.
The scientist constructed a theory based on her findings.
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Build
To order, finance, or supervise the construction of
The administration built several new housing projects.
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Construct
To build or form by putting together parts.
The company will construct a new bridge across the river.
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Build
To develop or give form to according to a plan or process; create
Build a nation.
Built a successful business out of their corner grocery store.
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Construct
To assemble components into a functional whole.
Engineers construct buildings using advanced materials.
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Build
To increase or strengthen by adding gradually to
Money building interest in a savings account.
Build support for a political candidate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Construct
To create (an argument or a sentence, for example) by systematically arranging ideas or terms.
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Oct 19, 2023
Construct
(Mathematics) To draw (a geometric figure) that meets specific requirements.
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Build
To engage in the construction or design of buildings
"Each of the three architects built in a different style" (Dwight Macdonald).
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Oct 19, 2023
Construct
A concept, model, or schematic idea
A theoretical construct of the atom.
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Build
To progress toward a maximum, as of intensity
Suspense building from the opening scene to the climax.
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Construct
A concrete image or idea
"[He] began to shift focus from the haunted constructs of terror in his early work" (Stephen Koch).
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Build
The physical makeup of a person or thing, especially one's physique
An athletic build.
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Oct 19, 2023
Construct
Something constructed from parts.
The artwork was a construct of wire and tubes.
Loops and conditional statements are constructs in computer programming.
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Build
(Computers) Any of various versions of a software product as it is being developed for release to users.
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Construct
A concept or model.
Bohr's theoretical construct of the atom was soon superseded by quantum mechanics.
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Construct
(genetics) A segment of nucleic acid, created artificially, for transplantation into a target cell or tissue.
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Build
(transitive) To develop or give form to (something) according to a plan or process.
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Construct
(transitive) To build or form (something) by assembling parts.
We constructed the radio from spares.
A wall constructed of random stones.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
(transitive) To increase or strengthen (something) by adding gradually to.
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Construct
(transitive) To build (a sentence, an argument, etc.) by arranging words or ideas.
A sentence may be constructed with a subject, verb and object.
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Oct 19, 2023
Construct
To draw (a geometric figure) by following precise specifications and using geometric tools and techniques.
Construct a circle that touches each vertex of the given triangle.
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Construct
To put together the constituent parts of (something) in their proper place and order; to build; to form; to make; as, to construct an edifice.
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Construct
To devise; to invent; to set in order; to arrange; as, to construct a theory of ethics.
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Construct
Formed by, or relating to, construction, interpretation, or inference.
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Build
To be converted into software by compilation, usually with minimal human intervention.
This code won’t build any more. Have you made any changes?
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Oct 19, 2023
Construct
An abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
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Build
The physique of a human or animal body, or other object; constitution or structure.
Rugby players are of sturdy build.
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Construct
Make by combining materials and parts;
This little pig made his house out of straw
Some eccentric constructed an electric brassiere warmer
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Build
Any of various versions of a software product as it is being developed for release to users.
The computer company has introduced a new prototype build to beta testers.
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Construct
Put together out of components or parts;
The company fabricates plastic chairs
They manufacture small toys
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Build
A structure, such as a building, statue, pool or forest, or a configuration of a character's items or skills, created by the player.
I made a build that looked like the Parthenon in that game.
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Construct
Draw with suitable instruments and under specified conditions;
Construct an equilateral triangle
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Build
To erect or construct, as an edifice or fabric of any kind; to form by uniting materials into a regular structure; to fabricate; to make; to raise.
Nor aught availed him nowTo have built in heaven high towers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Construct
Create by linking linguistic units;
Construct a sentence
Construct a paragraph
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Build
To raise or place on a foundation; to form, establish, or produce by using appropriate means.
Who builds his hopes in air of your good looks.
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Oct 19, 2023
Construct
Create by organizing and linking ideas, arguments, or concepts;
Construct a proof
Construct an argument
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
To increase and strengthen; to increase the power and stability of; to settle, or establish, and preserve; - frequently with up; as, to build up one's constitution.
I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up.
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Construct
To create something complex by assembling parts.
They are constructing a prototype of the new machine.
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Nov 30, 2023
Build
To rest or depend, as on a foundation; to ground one's self or one's hopes or opinions upon something deemed reliable; to rely; as, to build on the opinions or advice of others.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
Form or mode of construction; general figure; make; as, the build of a ship; a great build on a man.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
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Build
Make by combining materials and parts;
This little pig made his house out of straw
Some eccentric constructed an electric brassiere warmer
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Build
Form or accumulate steadily;
Resistance to the manager's plan built up quickly
Pressure is building up at the Indian-Pakistani border
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Build
Order, supervise, or finance the construction of;
The government is building new schools in this state
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Build
Give form to, according to a plan;
Build a modern nation
Build a million-dollar business
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Build
Be engaged in building;
These architects build in interesting and new styles
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Build
Found or ground;
Build a defense on nothing but the accused person's reputation
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Build
Bolster or strengthen;
We worked up courage
Build up confidence
Ramp up security in the airports
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Build
Develop and grow;
Suspense was building right from the beginning of the opera
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Build
To form by combining materials or parts.
They plan to build a new house next year.
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Build
To increase or strengthen over time.
The athlete is building his endurance for the marathon.
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Build
To create a strong foundation or basis.
They aim to build a solid relationship with their clients.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What's the primary use of 'construct'?
Construct is used for systematically assembling structures or objects.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is 'construct' used metaphorically often?
No, it's typically used in a literal, physical sense.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can 'build' be used in an abstract sense?
Yes, it can refer to developing non-physical things like relationships.
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Nov 30, 2023
What does 'build' imply in general?
Build implies creating or assembling something, often over time.
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Nov 30, 2023
Does 'build' have different meanings in technology?
In technology, it often means compiling software.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is it correct to say 'build a machine'?
Yes, it's correct and implies a process.
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Does 'build' only apply to physical objects?
No, it can also apply to abstract concepts.
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Nov 30, 2023
Which term is broader in meaning, 'build' or 'construct'?
'Build' has a broader application.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is 'construct' used in casual conversation?
Less so; it's more formal and specific.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can 'construct' refer to theoretical concepts?
Rarely, it's mostly used for tangible objects.
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Can 'construct' be used for emotional aspects?
Rarely, it's usually reserved for physical creation.
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Does 'construct' imply using specific materials?
Typically, it implies planned use of specific materials.
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Nov 30, 2023
What about using 'construct' for software?
It's less common and would suggest assembling complex systems.
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How do 'build' and 'construct' differ in architecture?
'Build' is more general, while 'construct' implies detailed planning.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is 'build' suitable for describing software development?
Yes, it's commonly used in that context.
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What's an example of 'construct' in engineering?
Constructing a dam or a complex machinery.
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Is 'build' used in the context of relationships?
Yes, like building trust or a partnership.
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Nov 30, 2023
Which term is more specific, 'build' or 'construct'?
'Construct' is more specific and structured.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can 'build' imply a gradual process?
Yes, it often signifies a gradual development.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can 'build' be used in a metaphorical sense?
Yes, like building a case or an argument.
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Nov 30, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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