Stairs: meaning, definitions and examples

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stairs

[stɛrz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

climbing

A series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another.

Synonyms

flight of stairs, staircase, steps.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stairs	General term for a set of steps in a building that allows people to move from one floor to another. She climbed the stairs to the attic. I can hear someone coming up the stairs.
steps	Can refer to individual units of a stairway; also used for smaller, external stairs or gradations. Mind the steps; they are slippery when wet. We sat on the front steps to watch the sunset.
staircase	Includes both the stairs and the structure or space that contains them, often used in architectural contexts. The grand staircase in the mansion was impressive. She decorated the staircase with garlands for the holidays.
flight of stairs	Refers to a continuous series of stairs between two floors or landings. They had to climb three flights of stairs to reach the apartment. He tripped on the last flight of stairs.

Examples of usage

The stairs were steep and winding.
She tripped and fell down the stairs.
We decided to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

architecture

A flight of steps within a building which provides access to a higher or lower floor.

Synonyms

flight of stairs, staircase, steps.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stairs	General term used to refer to a set of steps leading from one floor to another. She climbed the stairs to the second floor. The hotel had a grand staircase.
staircase	A set of stairs and its surrounding structure, often referring to the architectural element rather than just the steps. The mansion boasted a beautiful spiral staircase. They installed a new wooden staircase in the entryway.
steps	Individual units of a staircase or could refer to small sets of stairs, typically outside or leading to a different level. He sat on the steps outside the house. Watch your step on these narrow steps.
flight of stairs	Refers to a continuous series of stairs between two floors, often used when describing more than one set of steps. He ran up two flights of stairs. There was a flight of stairs between the lobby and the rooftop terrace.

Examples of usage

The grand staircase in the mansion was ornately decorated.
The spiral staircase led up to the tower.
They walked up the marble stairs to the second floor.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Ancient Egyptians built grand staircases in their temples and pyramids, emphasizing their importance in monumental architecture.
The Greeks created open-air staircases, which were often decorated, influencing later designs in Western architecture.
Medieval castles featured spiral staircases, designed for soldiers to defend against intruders, showcasing both function and style.

Architecture

Stair design varies globally; for example, Japan often uses tatami mat steps in traditional homes, blending functionality with aesthetics.
The design of stairs can include various materials, such as wood, concrete, or metal, each serving different purposes and styles.
Stairs can be straight, spiral, or even floating, offering unique visual impacts in modern architecture.

Physics

While climbing, walking up stairs requires more energy due to the gravitational force acting against you, making it a great form of exercise.
The design angle of stairs is important; steeper stairs demand more effort to climb and can be dangerous if not made carefully.
Stairs can influence human movement; wider, shallower stairs in public places encourage more foot traffic compared to narrow ones.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, the act of walking up stairs symbolizes progress or ascension in life, linking physical movement with personal growth.
Stairs often appear in literature and film as metaphors for challenges, with characters needing to 'climb' them to succeed or achieve their goals.
Public stairs in urban areas can become social spaces, where people meet, sit, or perform, turning them into cultural hubs.

Health and Safety

Regularly using stairs instead of elevators promotes cardiovascular fitness and can help maintain a healthy weight.
Safety regulations dictate that stairs must have railings to prevent falls, emphasizing the importance of design in public spaces.
Using stairs frequently has been shown to improve overall balance and strength, especially in older adults.

Translations

Translations of the word "stairs" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escadas

🇮🇳 सीढ़ियाँ

🇩🇪 Treppe

🇮🇩 tangga

🇺🇦 сходи

🇵🇱 schody

🇯🇵 階段

🇫🇷 escaliers

🇪🇸 escaleras

🇹🇷 merdivenler

🇰🇷 계단

🇸🇦 درج

🇨🇿 schody

🇸🇰 schody

🇨🇳 楼梯

🇸🇮 stopnice

🇮🇸 stigar

🇰🇿 баспалдақ

🇬🇪 კიბეები

🇦🇿 pillələr

🇲🇽 escaleras

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,505, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4502 publishing
4503 flowing
4504 successor
4505 stairs
4506 intend
4507 peaceful
4508 termed
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