Upstairs

Definition

Upstairs refers to the upper floor or floors of a building. It can also indicate movement toward or located on a higher floor, or metaphorically, to higher levels in hierarchy or thought.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb
• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌʌpˈstɛrz/
• Respelling: up-STAIRZ

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌʌpˈstɛəz/
• Respelling: up-STAIRZ

Etymology

The word "upstairs" is a combination of "up," meaning upward or higher, and "stairs," referring to a set of steps leading to a higher level. It originated in Middle English and became widely used in its modern form during the 18th century.

Derivatives

• Upstairsward (adverb, rare)
• Upstair (adjective, archaic)
• Upstairing (verb, obsolete)
• Upstairsness (noun, rare)
• Overstairs (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Above
• Overhead
• Upper floor

Antonyms

• Downstairs
• Below
• Lower floor

Usage

The word "upstairs" is commonly used to describe a higher level within a building. As an adverb, it describes movement, e.g., "She went upstairs to her room." As an adjective, it refers to something located on an upper floor, e.g., "The upstairs bathroom is larger." As a noun, it denotes the upper level itself, e.g., "The party was held upstairs."

Related Terms

• Staircase: A set of steps connecting different levels of a building.
• Level: A specific floor or height in a building.
• Elevate: To raise or move to a higher position.

Detailed Definitions

Adverb

• Toward or on an upper floor: Indicates movement to or presence on a higher level.
  • Example: "She walked upstairs to retrieve her coat."

Adjective

• Located on or pertaining to an upper floor: Describes things or areas on a higher level.
  • Example: "The upstairs bedrooms are more spacious."

Noun

• The upper level or floors of a building: Refers to the higher part of a structure.
  • Example: "The noise was coming from upstairs."