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Synonyms

step-up

American  
[step-uhp] / ˈstɛpˌʌp /
Or stepup

adjective

  1. effecting an increase.

  2. Electricity. serving to increase voltage.

    a step-up transformer.

  3. (of a lease) allowing for gradual rent increases to the highest amount permissible.


noun

  1. an increase or rise in the rate or quantity of something.

step up British  

verb

  1. (tr) to increase or raise by stages; accelerate

  2. (intr) to make progress or effect an advancement; be promoted

    1. baseball to move into batting position

    2. to come forward and take responsibility for something

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. (of a transformer) increasing a low voltage applied to the primary winding to a higher voltage on the secondary winding Compare step down

  2. informal involving a rise by stages

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. informal an increment in quantity, size, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
step up Idioms  
  1. Increase, especially in stages, as in We've got to step up production . [Early 1900s] Also see step down , def. 2.

  2. Come forward, as in Step up to the podium, folks, and I'll show you how it works . [Mid-1600s]


Etymology

Origin of step-up

First recorded in 1890–95; adj., noun use of verb phrase step up

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If those same assets were in your estate, your beneficiaries will receive a step-up in basis on any assets they inherit.

From Barron's

The step-up in basis typically does most of the tax-saving work.

From MarketWatch

The step-up in both consistency and output has been clear.

From BBC

The ultrarich can use structures such as dynasty trusts to shield their assets from estate taxes for generations, while the step-up provision adjusts the cost basis of an inherited asset to its fair market value.

From The Wall Street Journal

In Washington state, community property with right of survivorship avoids probate and has a step-up in basis.

From MarketWatch