Downstairs Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈdaʊndˌstɛr/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun or Adjective

Definition

1. A floor or level below the main floor of a building, often referred to as the ground floor or first floor. 2. A literal or figurative place below the surface or level of something.

Examples

• The guest room is located downstairs.
• The kitchen is downstairs, next to the living room.
• The playroom is downstairs, where the kids can run around.
• The basement is often referred to as the downstairs area.
• The ideas and concepts are often taken for granted and are relegated downstairs.

Synonyms

• Ground floor
• First floor
• Floor below
• Underneath

Antonyms

• Upper
• Upstairs
• Above
• On top

Additional Information

Downstairs is often used to describe a physical location, such as a room or floor, but it can also be used figuratively to describe a concept or idea that is considered secondary or less important. In some buildings, the downstairs area is reserved for storage or utility purposes, while in others it may be used for living or working spaces.

The term downstairs can also be used to express a sense of hierarchy or social class, with downstairs being considered the lower or more inferior part of a building or social structure.

Etymology

The word “downstairs” originated from the Old English words “dōn” meaning “down” and “stēor” meaning “stairs”. The term has been in use since the 14th century and has retained its original meaning since then.

Usage Notes

When using the term “downstairs”, it is essential to consider the context in which it is being used. In some cases, it may be more appropriate to use the term “ground floor” or “first floor” to avoid confusion.

In figurative language, the term “downstairs” should be used sparingly and with caution, as it can be perceived as belittling or diminishing the importance of the concept or idea being discussed.

Cultural References

In popular culture, the term “downstairs” has been used in various contexts, including literature, music, and film. For example, in the popular book and film series, “Harry Potter”, the Hogwarts castle has a hidden passage leading downstairs, which is a significant plot point in the story.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Downstairs is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “downstairs area” or “downstairs room”, which refer to the physical space or location below the main floor of a building.

Related Words or Phrases

• Upstairs
• Ground floor
• First floor
• Floor above

Collocations

• Downstairs area
• Downstairs room
• Downstairs floor
• Upstairs downstairs

Frequency of Use

The term “downstairs” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in British English, where it is used to describe the physical location below the main floor of a building. In American English, the term is less commonly used, and may be replaced with synonyms such as “ground floor” or “first floor”.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of the word “downstairs” include “downstars”, “downstair”, and “downstires”.