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Meaning & use

building character

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈbɪldɪŋ ˈkærəktə/
US/ˈbɪldɪŋ ˈkærəktər/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    The process of developing good qualities such as courage, honesty, and patience through difficult experiences.

    Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; often the subject or object of a sentence. It does not take an article.

    Patterns

    • building character
    • build character
    • something builds character

    Many parents believe that summer camp is good for building character.

    Going through hard times can be a way of building character.

    The coach said the losing season was about building character, not just winning.

  2. phrasefixed phrasespecialist

    The act of making a fictional person in a story seem real and interesting.

    Grammar: Used in talking about writing, film, or games. Often appears after 'for' or 'in'.

    Patterns

    • building character in a story
    • for building character

    The author spends a lot of time building character before the action starts.

    Good dialogue is a key tool for building character in a novel.

Common combinations

good for building character
They say hard work is good for building character.
a way of building character
Volunteering is a way of building character.
building character through sport
The school believes in building character through sport.
about building character
The program is about building character, not just skills.

Synonyms and how they differ

personal growth
This is a broader term for becoming a better or more mature person; 'building character' specifically emphasizes moral qualities.
character development
This is more common in stories and films, while 'building character' is often used about real people's moral growth.

Word family

character-building adjective
Describing an experience that helps you develop good qualities.
build verb
To make something stronger or larger over time.
character noun
The qualities that make a person who they are, especially moral qualities.

Commonly confused: building character or building a character?

building character vs building a character

'Building a character' usually means creating a fictional person for a story or acting role, while 'building character' means improving your own moral qualities.

Practice

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