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.

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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

3. 1. baseball to move into batting position

   2. to come forward and take responsibility for something

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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

noun

1. informal an increment in quantity, size, etc

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]

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Etymology

Origin of step-up

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

Example Sentences

EU policymakers hope a step-up in the flow of corporate cash for removals of carbon can help it achieve its ambitious goal of emissions neutrality within the coming decades.

From The Wall Street Journal

For now, they expect a continued focus on organic growth over a step-up in M&A activity.

From The Wall Street Journal

“This implies that a significant step-up in earnings may be needed over the rest of the year to deliver even the low end of the guidance range,” JPMorgan analysts said in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal

He had said the step-up was possible thanks to revenue from tariffs, which the Supreme Court has since struck down.

From The Wall Street Journal

But if you go with the Neo, try to get the $699 step-up model with 512GB of storage and, more importantly, Touch ID.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• boost
• escalate
• hasten
• improve
• increase
• intensify
• quicken
• raise
• speed