Construction Vocabulary

noun a horizontal passage leading into a mine for the purposes of access or drainage

• The mining company decided to dig a new adit to access the underground ore deposits.
• Let's explore that adit we found in the forest, it looks interesting!
• I heard there's a secret adit that leads to a hidden cave, wanna check it out?
• The adit to success is paved with hard work and determination.

verb to secure firmly in place

adjective fixed securely in place

• The ship was securely anchored in the harbor.
• We anchored the boat near the shore for a quick swim.
• Let's anchor the car here and walk to the party.
• His beliefs are firmly anchored in his upbringing.

noun a group of people gathered together for a common purpose

verb to gather together in one place for a common purpose

• The team will need to assemble all the necessary documents before the meeting.
• Let's all assemble at the park for a picnic this weekend.
• We're going to assemble a killer playlist for the party tonight.
• It took years to assemble the pieces of the puzzle and finally solve the mystery.

verb to gather or bring together in one place for a common purpose

• The team assembled all the necessary documents for the presentation.
• We all assembled at the park for a picnic.
• The crew assembled at the spot before heading out for the mission.
• The clues slowly assembled in his mind, forming a clear picture of what had happened.

noun a surveyor's mark made on a stationary object of previously determined position and elevation used as a reference point

• The company uses industry standards as a bench mark to measure its performance.
• I always use my previous test scores as a bench mark to track my progress.
• I set my own bench mark for success and I won't settle for anything less.
• The new product release set a high bench mark for innovation in the tech industry.

noun A room in a building where a boiler is located

• The boiler room is located in the basement of the building.
• Let's meet in the boiler room to discuss the project.
• I heard they're storing some cool stuff in the boiler room.
• The boiler room of politics is where all the scheming takes place.

noun a word that functions as the name of a specific person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used to specify or limit a noun

• Please clear the way so that the ambulance can pass through.
• Hey, can you clear the way for me? I need to get through.
• Yo, move it! Clear the way, I'm coming through.
• In order to achieve success, we must clear the way of obstacles and distractions.

noun A sharp, metallic sound

verb To make or cause to make a sharp, metallic sound

• The sommelier demonstrated the proper way to clink glasses before a toast.
• Let's clink our glasses together before taking a sip!
• We should totally clink our drinks for good luck!
• The sound of the coins clinking in his pocket reminded him of his wealth.

verb to uncover or bring to the surface by digging

adverb used to describe how something is done, in this case, the action of digging up

• Archaeologists often dig up ancient artifacts to learn more about past civilizations.
• I heard they're planning to dig up the backyard to install a new swimming pool.
• I can't believe you dug up that embarrassing photo from last year's party!
• It's important to dig up the truth in any situation, no matter how difficult it may be.

verb to take apart or disassemble something

• The workers were instructed to dismantle the machinery for maintenance purposes.
• We need to take apart this old bookshelf and dismantle it.
• Let's break down this old computer and dismantle it for parts.
• The detective was able to dismantle the suspect's alibi during questioning.

noun the depth of water needed to float a ship

• The architect carefully considered the draught of the building to ensure proper ventilation.
• I felt a draught coming from the window, can you close it?
• I'm freezing, there's a serious draught in this room!
• The new policy caused a draught of dissent among the employees.

noun a large, imposing building or structure

• The grand edifice stood tall as a symbol of the city's architectural prowess.
• Check out that massive edifice over there, it's huge!
• That edifice is lit, bro!
• His reputation was like a crumbling edifice, once grand but now in ruins.

verb past tense of fabricate, meaning to invent or concoct something in a deceptive manner

adjective created or made up in order to deceive or mislead

• The evidence presented in court was proven to be fabricated by the defense team.
• I can't believe she fabricated the whole story just to get out of trouble.
• He's always fabricating excuses to skip work.
• The artist's imagination fabricated a world of wonder in her paintings.

verb to attach or secure something firmly to something else

preposition to focus on or give attention to something

• The detective was able to fasten upon the key piece of evidence in the case.
• I quickly fastened upon the best route to avoid traffic.
• She fastened upon the opportunity to score front row tickets to the concert.
• His words seemed to fasten upon her heart, leaving a lasting impact.

verb to measure or determine the amount, level, or extent of something

• The scientist is gauging the temperature of the liquid in the beaker.
• I'm just gauging how long it will take to get there.
• She's gauging whether he likes her by how he acts around her.
• The artist is gauging the emotions of the audience through his performance.

noun an area of land or sea used for a specified purpose

verb past tense of grind, crush, or reduce to powder or small particles

• The construction workers are preparing the ground for the new building.
• I love lying on the ground and staring at the clouds.
• I can't believe he got grounded for missing curfew.
• She needs to get her feet back on the ground and stop daydreaming.

noun the act of suspending or being suspended from above

adjective suspended in the air or attached to something above

• The painting was hanging crookedly on the wall.
• I saw a bunch of kids hanging out at the park.
• Let's go hang at the mall this weekend.
• The threat of failure was hanging over his head.

verb to surround or restrict someone or something

adverb in a manner that surrounds or restricts someone or something

• The building was hemmed in by tall skyscrapers on all sides.
• I feel so hemmed in by all these rules and regulations.
• I'm totally hemmed in by my crazy schedule right now.
• Her anxiety hemmed her in, making it hard to see a way out of the situation.

verb to become excited or enthusiastic about something

adverb in a manner that shows excitement or enthusiasm

• The architect designed a house with a hipped on roof for better stability.
• I saw a cool car with a hipped on spoiler the other day.
• That skateboarder is always hipped on doing tricks at the skate park.
• She was hipped on the idea of traveling the world and experiencing new cultures.

noun a slot or rectangular hole cut into a piece of wood or other material, into which another part is fixed to form a joint

verb to cut a slot or hole into a piece of wood or other material

• The carpenter carefully chiseled out the mortise for the door hinge.
• Can you help me with this mortise for the cabinet door?
• I totally messed up the mortise on this project.
• His words seemed to mortise perfectly with her thoughts.

noun a panel or section of a surface, typically a wall or door

• The stained glass pane in the cathedral was carefully crafted by skilled artisans.
• I accidentally broke a pane of glass in the greenhouse while trying to move a plant.
• I can't believe he punched through the pane like that, what a wild move!
• She looked out the window, but the rain distorted the world beyond the pane.

noun a tube or channel for conveying fluids or gases

verb to speak up or speak loudly and assertively

• During the meeting, I kindly asked everyone to pipe up if they had any concerns.
• Hey, don't be shy, just pipe up and let us know what you think.
• Yo, if you got something to say, just pipe up and speak your mind.
• It's important to pipe up and stand up for what you believe in, even if it's not popular.

noun a thickness or layer of material

verb to travel regularly over a route

• The carpenter used a high-quality ply for the new cabinet.
• I need to buy some ply for my DIY project.
• I heard the new skate park has some sick ply to ride on.
• She had to ply her way through the crowded market to reach the other side.

verb to cause (a liquid) to flow or fall in a steady stream

• Please pour the water into the pitcher slowly to avoid spillage.
• Hey, can you pour me a glass of juice?
• I'll pour some tea for ya, no worries!
• Her emotions began to pour out as she spoke about her struggles.

noun a metal pin for passing through holes in two or more plates or pieces to hold them together, usually made with a head at one end, the other end being hammered into a head after insertion.

verb to fasten or fix firmly; hold fast; make rigid.

adjective having the power to fix the attention; engrossing.

• The engineer used a rivet to secure the metal plates together.
• Hey, can you pass me that rivet over there?
• I need to rivet these pieces before we can move on.
• Her speech was so captivating, it seemed to rivet everyone in the audience.

adjective silly or foolish in a way that is amusing

• The screwy logic in his argument made it difficult to follow.
• I think the whole situation is just plain screwy.
• This whole thing is so screwy, I can't even deal.
• Her mind felt like a screwy puzzle, with pieces that just didn't fit together.

verb to begin or start doing something

adverb used to describe how something is done or the manner in which something is started

• The team set about analyzing the data to identify any patterns.
• We set about cleaning the house before our guests arrived.
• Let's set about getting this party started!
• After receiving the news, she set about rebuilding her life from scratch.

verb taking a side or position in a debate or conflict

• The two-sided agreement was carefully reviewed by legal experts.
• I like that double-sided poster you have hanging in your room.
• I heard she's two-sided when it comes to making decisions.
• His two-sided personality makes it hard to know what he truly thinks.

noun a judgment or estimation of the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of something or someone

verb to form an estimate or evaluation of; to assess or appraise

• Before making a decision, it is important to size up all the available options.
• Let's size up the competition before entering the market.
• I need to size up this situation before I can make a move.
• She quickly sized up the new project and knew it would be a success.

noun a window in a roof or ceiling that allows natural light to enter a building

• The architect designed the house with a skylight to allow natural light to enter the room.
• I love lying on the couch and looking up at the stars through the skylight.
• Let's hang out in the attic and chill by the skylight.
• Her mind was like a skylight, always open to new ideas and perspectives.

noun a booth, cubicle, or stand used by a vendor, salesperson, etc.

verb to come to a standstill

• The market stall was filled with fresh produce from local farmers.
• I saw a cute little stall selling handmade jewelry at the fair.
• Let's hit up that food stall for some grub.
• His progress in the project came to a stall when he encountered a technical issue.

verb to add something extra or additional to something else

preposition to attach or fasten something onto something else

• The company decided to tack on an additional fee for late payments.
• I hate when they tack on extra charges at the last minute.
• They always try to tack on some hidden costs when you least expect it.
• She tried to tack on a smile, but her eyes gave away her true feelings.

verb to make or become tight or taut

• The rope began to tauten as the weight of the cargo increased.
• Make sure you tauten the straps before we hit the road.
• I need to tauten up my act if I want to pass this exam.
• The tension in the room seemed to tauten as the argument escalated.

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb, indicating the time, place, manner, or degree of an action

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

• The keys were found underneath the stack of papers on the desk.
• I found my phone underneath the couch cushions.
• I keep my snacks underneath my bed so my siblings don't find them.
• Underneath his tough exterior, he was actually quite sensitive.

noun the ability to withstand something

verb to remain undamaged or unaffected by something; to resist or endure

• The new building was designed to withstand earthquakes and strong winds.
• I don't think this old chair can withstand another person sitting on it.
• I bet you can't withstand the heat of this spicy curry!
• Her resolve to succeed was so strong that it could withstand any challenge thrown her way.

noun a set of steps or stairs, typically inside a building, leading from one floor to another

• The grand staircase in the mansion was adorned with intricate carvings and a luxurious velvet carpet.
• I tripped on the staircase at the party last night, it was so embarrassing!
• Let's sneak out the back staircase so we don't get caught by the security guard.
• Climbing the staircase of success requires hard work and determination.

noun a type of car that has been created by combining the front half of one car with the back half of another

verb to create a 'cut and shut' car by combining parts of two different cars

• The car was found to be a cut and shut vehicle, made from two different cars welded together.
• I heard that car was a cut and shut job, put together from two different cars.
• That car is a total cut and shut, it's a real mess.
• The project was a cut and shut job, pieced together from various sources to create a cohesive whole.

verb to urinate

• The doctor advised the patient to make water regularly to ensure proper hydration.
• I always make sure to make water before leaving the house.
• I gotta go make water real quick, be right back.
• His speech was so boring, it felt like he was trying to make water out of thin air.

noun a dense, fine-grained sandstone that is typically blue-gray in color

adjective describing a type of stone that is blue-gray in color

• The historic building was constructed using bluestone sourced from a nearby quarry.
• I love the look of bluestone patios in backyard designs.
• That bluestone pathway is lit!
• Her eyes were as cold and unyielding as bluestone.

noun a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun

• The committee decided to shunt aside the proposal for further review.
• Let's just shunt that idea to the side for now and focus on something else.
• They totally shunted aside his suggestion without even considering it.
• She felt like she was being shunted aside in the group chat, as no one was responding to her messages.

verb to remove something from a place by digging or excavating

adverb used to describe the action of digging out

• The archaeologists had to carefully dig out the ancient artifacts from the excavation site.
• I need to dig out my winter coat from the back of the closet.
• I'll help you dig out that old photo album from your messy room.
• It took me a while to dig out the truth from all the lies he had told me.

noun a fee paid for the use of a port or dock by a ship

• The acierage fee for the shipment of steel was calculated based on the weight and volume of the cargo.
• I had to pay an acierage charge for storing my metal supplies at the warehouse.
• The acierage cost for transporting the steel was way too high.
• The acierage of emotions in the room was palpable as tensions rose during the negotiation.

verb to stick firmly to something; to follow closely or exactly

• The company policy strictly adhered to the guidelines set forth by the regulatory body.
• I always adhered to my grandmother's advice about saving money for a rainy day.
• He never adhered to the rules of the game, always looking for shortcuts.
• The artist's unique style adhered to traditional techniques while also pushing boundaries.

noun a measurement or dimensions of something

• The admeasurement of the land was conducted by a professional surveyor.
• They're still working on the admeasurement of the room dimensions.
• I have no idea how to do the admeasurement for this project.
• The admeasurement of his success was evident in the number of awards he received.