The phrase "builds on" is commonly spelled with a 'd' at the end, despite the fact that it is pronounced with a 't' sound. This pronunciation is due to the preceding consonant being an unvoiced sound, leading to an unvoiced sound being produced when the 's' is added. The IPA phonetic transcription for "builds on" is /bɪldz ɑn/, showcasing the 'z' sound instead of the 's' sound, reflecting the unvoiced to voiced consonant shift in the pronunciation. It is important to note these nuances in spelling and pronunciation to ensure effective communication.
Builds on is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of developing or expanding upon a pre-existing idea, concept, or foundation. It suggests taking something that already exists and using it as a starting point to create something more advanced, comprehensive, or innovative. When one builds on an idea, they utilize its core principles, elements, or components and add new layers or extensions to enhance its scope, complexity, or functionality.
The term often connotes a sense of progression, improvement, or evolution in the context of knowledge, creativity, or technology. It implies building upon the achievements or discoveries of previous generations or individuals, acknowledging that the current advancement would not have been possible without the groundwork laid by others.
Building on can manifest in various fields, ranging from academia and research to arts, technology, or business. It entails refining or expanding upon existing theories, methodologies, techniques, products, or services to introduce novel features, perspectives, insights, or applications. By building on past accomplishments, one aims to push the boundaries, extend the possibilities, or solve new problems that were not previously addressed.
In essence, builds on conveys the idea of progress and innovation by utilizing existing knowledge or resources as a solid foundation from which to grow, expand, or explore new horizons. Through this process, one can create valuable contributions that expand upon and enhance the achievements of the past.
The word "builds on" does not have a specific etymology of its own. Instead, it is a combination of two separate words: "build" and "on".
The word "build" comes from the Old English word "byldan" which means "to construct" or "to make". This root word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic "budo" and further to the Proto-Indo-European base "bheudh" which means "to be".
The word "on" can be traced back to the Old English "on" and the Proto-Germanic "ana", meaning "in, on, or at". Its origin can be further linked to the Proto-Indo-European base "an" which means "on" or "upon".