Downstairs: meaning, definitions and examples

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downstairs

 

[ ˈdaʊnˈstɛrz ]

Adverb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

moving to a lower level

in or to a lower part of a building or a different building

Synonyms

below, beneath, under.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
downstairs

Effectively the same as 'downstairs' in the earlier explanation. Redundant in this context.

below

Often used to describe something at a lower level or position when compared to a reference point, can be used in both physical and metaphorical senses.

  • The temperature dropped below freezing last night.
  • On the list, my name is below yours.
under

Indicates a position directly lower than something, often used for physical spaces or situations.

  • The cat is hiding under the bed.
  • The book is under the stack of papers.
beneath

Similar to 'below,' but often used to imply being directly underneath something and can carry a connotation of being inferior or less than.

  • The treasure was buried beneath the old oak tree.
  • He felt that such tasks were beneath him.

Examples of usage

  • I heard a noise downstairs.
  • She went downstairs to answer the door.
Context #2 | Noun

lower level of a building

the floor or area of a building that is at a lower level

Synonyms

basement, ground floor, lower level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
downstairs

Used to describe the lower floor(s) of a building, commonly in houses or smaller properties. It indicates moving to or being on a floor below the current one.

  • Let's go downstairs to the living room.
  • She heard a noise coming from downstairs.
ground floor

Used to describe the floor at the same level as the ground outside. This term is commonly used in buildings with multiple floors.

  • The reception is located on the ground floor.
  • She bought an apartment on the ground floor for convenience.
lower level

A more general term that can describe any floor below the current one, often used in larger buildings like shopping malls or office buildings.

  • The cafeteria is on the lower level.
  • They found a conference room on the lower level.
basement

Refers to the underground level of a building, often used for storage, utilities, or additional living space. It is not typically used for main living areas.

  • He likes to play his drums in the basement.
  • The basement flooded during the heavy rain.

Examples of usage

  • The bedrooms are all downstairs.
  • I'll meet you downstairs in the lobby.

Translations

Translations of the word "downstairs" in other languages:

🇵🇹 andar de baixo

🇮🇳 नीचे की मंजिल

🇩🇪 unten

🇮🇩 lantai bawah

🇺🇦 нижній поверх

🇵🇱 na dole

🇯🇵 下の階

🇫🇷 rez-de-chaussée

🇪🇸 planta baja

🇹🇷 aşağı kat

🇰🇷 아래층

🇸🇦 الطابق السفلي

🇨🇿 dolní patro

🇸🇰 prízemie

🇨🇳 楼下

🇸🇮 spodnje nadstropje

🇮🇸 neðri hæð

🇰🇿 төменгі қабат

🇬🇪 ქვედა სართული

🇦🇿 aşağı mərtəbə

🇲🇽 planta baja

Etymology

The word 'downstairs' originated from Middle English 'doun staires', which literally means 'down stairs'. It has been used since the 15th century to refer to the lower part or level of a building. Over time, it has become a common adverb and noun in the English language, used to describe movement or location in relation to the lower levels of a structure.

See also: down, downcast, downsize, downsizing, downward, downwards, downy.