building block

The term "building block" can refer to both literal and figurative fundamental components essential for creating larger structures or systems.

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Definition

A2General

(literal)A basic component used in construction, such as a brick or stone.

Example

  • Each brick is a building block that contributes to the stability of the wall.

A1Toys

(literal)A cube-shaped block made of wood or plastic, used by children to build structures.

Example

  • The children spent hours playing with their building blocks, creating castles and towers.

B2General

(figurative)A fundamental element or unit that serves as the foundation for constructing something larger or more complex.

Example

  • Trust is a building block of any strong relationship.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "building block":

block modelblock systemcity blockblock partybuild inconstruction unitblock graphfoundation stonerepeat unitcode block