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Stair Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ›ค๏ธ
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stair

[stษ›r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a building

A series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another, often inside a building.

Synonyms

flight of stairs, staircase, steps.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stair

Refer the first entry for 'stair' - it's the same word repeated.

  • Be careful, that stair is broken
  • I tripped on the last stair
steps

A general term used to describe individual movements you make to go up or down, or the individual parts of a staircase, can also refer to outdoor stairs.

  • Watch your steps while going down the hill
  • The library's entrance has a few steps
staircase

Used to describe a complete set of stairs including the structure that supports them, often used when speaking about architecture and interior design.

  • The house has a beautiful spiral staircase
  • They decorated the staircase with garlands for the holidays
flight of stairs

Used to describe a continuous series of steps from one landing or floor to another without a break.

  • We live on the fourth floor, so we have to climb four flights of stairs
  • She got tired after the first flight of stairs

Examples of usage

  • She walked up the stairs to the second floor.
  • The old house had a creaky wooden staircase.
  • He tripped and fell down the stairs.
Context #2 | Verb

climbing

To climb or ascend by using the feet and legs.

Synonyms

ascend, climb, mount.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stair

Refers to a single step in a series of steps forming a staircase. Used when specifically talking about individual steps.

  • She tripped on the last stair.
  • Each stair was covered in a soft carpet.
climb

Commonly used to describe the action of moving upwards on something such as a ladder, mountain, or stairs. Implies physical effort. Can also be used metaphorically for progressing through ranks or levels.

  • He had to climb the rock wall to reach the top.
  • She aims to climb the corporate ladder.
ascend

Used in more formal or poetic contexts to describe moving upward, typically when the motion is deliberate and significant. Often associated with climbing mountains, rising to power, or moving to a higher position.

  • They began to ascend the mountain just before dawn.
  • She watched the hot air balloon ascend into the sky.
mount

Often used when referring to getting onto something, such as a horse or bike. Can also mean to go up something, typically used in a more formal or literary way.

  • She mounted her horse and rode away.
  • They mounted the steps with caution.

Examples of usage

  • She carefully stair-ed her way to the mountain peak.
  • The hikers stair up the steep hill.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Stairs are fundamental in architecture and can vary significantly in design; common types include spiral, straight, and curved.
  • The world's tallest staircase, the Niesenbahn funicular, contains 3,662 steps and is often called the 'Niesenbahn staircase'.

Safety

  • Stairs can be a common point of accidents, and safety features like handrails and non-slip steps are crucial.
  • In many countries, building codes require a minimum width and height for stairs to ensure they are safe for use.

Cultural Significance

  • Stairs often symbolize progression or ascension in literature; climbing stairs can represent striving for better things.
  • In the popular film 'Harry Potter', the moving staircases at Hogwarts add a magical and whimsical element to the school.

Historical Innovations

  • Ancient Egyptians constructed stairs using huge stone blocks in their monumental buildings, showcasing engineering skills.
  • The development of the spiral staircase in medieval architecture allowed for more compact designs in castles.

Origin of 'stair'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'stair' comes from the Old English word 'staer', which means a series of steps.
  • Related to the Old Norse word 'straer', indicating a step or stair, showing cross-cultural language roots.

The word 'stair' originated from the Old English word 'stรฆger', which meant 'flight of steps'. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word 'stair' with the same meaning. Stairs have been an essential architectural element in buildings for centuries, providing a means of vertical circulation. They are found in various forms and materials, from simple wooden steps to grand marble staircases.

See also: staircase, stairs, stairway, upstairs.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,999, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.