BUILD UPON

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does build upon mean? 

• BUILD UPON (verb)
  The verb BUILD UPON has 1 sense:

1. be based on; of theories and claims, for example

  Familiarity information: BUILD UPON used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BUILD UPON (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Be based on; of theories and claims, for example

Classified under:

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations

Synonyms:

build on; build upon; repose on; rest on

Context example:

What's this new evidence based on?

Hypernyms (to "build upon" is one way to...):

depend on; depend upon; devolve on; hinge on; hinge upon; ride; turn on (be contingent on)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "build upon"):

owe (be indebted to, in an abstract or intellectual sense)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s something

 Context examples 

Saturn will show you how to create a firm foundation for your life so you can build upon it and enjoy successes as you mature into the future.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

Let me soon hear from you, dear Catherine; you are my only friend; your love I do build upon.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

This is in the supposition of his attachment continuing what it now is; but I do not know that I expect it will; I do not look upon him to be quite the sort of man—I do not altogether build upon his steadiness or constancy.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)