B2verb2K

Rebuild

UK /["/ˌriːˈbɪld/","/ˌriːˈbɪldz/","/ˌriːˈbɪlt/","/ˌriːˈbɪldɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌriːˈbɪld/","/ˌriːˈbɪldz/","/ˌriːˈbɪlt/","/ˌriːˈbɪldɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to build or put something together again

In simple words: to build something again after it has been broken or destroyed

Examples

  • After the earthquake, the people set about rebuilding their homes.
  • He rebuilt the engine using parts from cars that had been scrapped.
  • It could take ten years for the area to completely rebuild after the hurricane.
  • The hall had to be completely rebuilt after the fire.
  • The whole structure was virtually rebuilt.
  • When she lost her job, she had to **rebuild her life** completely.
  • attempts to rebuild the shattered post-war economy
  • After the divorce, it took me a long time to rebuild my confidence.
  • She was just beginning to rebuild her life.
  • The international community must step in to help rebuild the country.

Usage notes

Use 'rebuild' for physical structures like houses as well as abstract concepts like trust. It's appropriate in formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

rebuild + object

Memory hint

Think of a broken toy that you need to 're-build' piece by piece.

Collocations

  • completely
  • entirely
  • totally
  • begin to
  • start to
  • try to
  • newly rebuilt
  • recently rebuilt
  • rebuild something from scratch
  • completely
  • entirely
  • totally
  • begin to
  • start to
  • try to
  • newly rebuilt
  • recently rebuilt
  • rebuild something from scratch

Synonyms

  • restore
  • reconstruct
  • repair
  • revamp
  • refresh

Antonyms

  • destroy
  • demolish
  • ruin

Common mistakes

  • 'Rebuild' used without an object (e.g., 'I will rebuild' instead of 'I will rebuild the house').
  • Confusing 'rebuild' with 'restore,' which has a different meaning.
  • 'Rebuild' sometimes mistakenly used as 'rebuilded' instead of 'rebuilt.'