Upstairs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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upstairs

[ˌʌpˈstɛrz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

location

At or to a higher floor or level in a building.

Synonyms

on the floor above, up, up the stairs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
upstairs	Commonly used in casual conversation to refer to rooms or areas on the next floor above. It gives a sense of familiarity. I'll be upstairs if you need me. The party is in the room upstairs.
up	Often used in a casual or informal way, especially in tight or quick conversations. It implies moving to a higher level without specifying the exact area. Just go up and you'll find the room. She ran up to the second floor.
on the floor above	Used in more formal or descriptive contexts. It’s often used when giving directions or explanations in a detailed manner. The administrative offices are located on the floor above. You will find the library on the floor above.
up the stairs	Typically used for giving directions or describing movement involving stairs. It emphasizes the act of climbing the stairs. Take your luggage up the stairs. The bedrooms are up the stairs on the right.

Examples of usage

She went upstairs to check on the children.
The bedrooms are all upstairs.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

position

Situated above ground level in a building.

Synonyms

higher up, top floor, upper level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
upstairs	Commonly used in homes or smaller buildings to refer to an area on a higher floor. It is more informal and conversational. Kids are playing upstairs She went upstairs to her room
upper level	Used to refer generally to a higher floor within a building, usually in more formal or architectural contexts. The restaurant has a seating area on the upper level The upper level houses the museum's main exhibits
top floor	Used to specify the highest level of a building, typically in formal or descriptive contexts, like describing apartment locations or office buildings. Their office is on the top floor of the skyscraper The luxury penthouse is on the top floor
higher up	Used in both casual and formal settings to describe a location at a greater height within a building, also can refer to a higher position in hierarchy. The storage room is higher up in the building He spoke to someone higher up about the issue

Examples of usage

The upstairs bathroom needs to be renovated.
The upstairs apartment has a nice view.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Architecture

Many homes today have more than one story, with 'upstairs' commonly used for private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms.
In some designs, 'upstairs' can also include balconies or upper decks, blending indoor and outdoor living.
The layout of upstairs areas often reflects cultural trends, with open plans becoming popular in modern designs.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'going upstairs' often appears in films and stories, symbolizing a journey to greater knowledge or discovery.
Music and art frequently use staircases as metaphors, where 'upstairs' denotes aspiration or ambition.
Shows like 'All in the Family' and 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' feature iconic upstairs settings that represent family dynamics and personal growth.

Psychology

Cognitive associations link 'upstairs' with privacy and tranquility, affecting how people perceive and enjoy different areas of a home.
Research indicates that the design of upstairs spaces can influence emotional well-being, where a brighter and more spacious feel enhances mood.
The act of moving 'upstairs' may psychologically signify a transition, as it often involves going from shared spaces to more personal environments.

History

Historically, wealthy families often built homes with grand entrances and elaborate upstairs areas to showcase status.
The concept of stairs and multiple floors reflects societal shifts during the Industrial Revolution, where urban living became commonplace.
Many historical buildings, like castles, utilized upstairs areas for added security and privacy, evidencing changes in home defense needs over time.

Origin of 'upstairs'

Main points about word origin

The term combines 'up', indicating a higher position, and 'stairs', which refers to steps used to go from one level to another.
Its first recorded use in the early 14th century illustrates the architectural importance of multi-level living spaces in medieval times.
The concept of upstairs shows how homes evolved with more than one level, especially as space became a premium in urban areas.

The word 'upstairs' originated from the Middle English word 'upsteres' which combines 'up' with 'steres' meaning 'stair'. The concept of upper levels in buildings has been around for centuries, with multi-story structures becoming more common in the Middle Ages. As architecture evolved, the term 'upstairs' became widely used to refer to higher floors in a building.

See also: stair, staircase, stairs, stairway.