downstairs
Downstairs (adverb) means On or to a lower floor of a building. Example: “She went downstairs to answer the door.”
How to use downstairs
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOn, to, or of the lower floor of a building.
Word forms
further downstairs comparative, farther downstairs comparative, further downstairs comparative, farther downstairs comparative, downstairs plural, furthest downstairs superlative, farthest downstairs superlative, furthest downstairs superlative, farthest downstairs superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She went _____ to answer the door.
Etymology
From down- plus stairs.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for downstairs
See all rhymes for downstairs →Frequently asked questions
What does “downstairs” mean?
The word “downstairs” means on or to a lower floor of a building. In plain terms, on, to, or of the lower floor of a building.
How do you pronounce “downstairs”?
“Downstairs” is pronounced down-STEH-uhz (/daʊnˈstɛɹz/ in IPA).
How do you use “downstairs” in a sentence?
Here is “downstairs” used in a sentence: “She went downstairs to answer the door.”
What is the opposite of “downstairs”?
The opposite of “downstairs” — its antonyms — is upstairs.
What part of speech is “downstairs”?
Depending on how it is used, “downstairs” can be an adverb, an adjective and a noun.
Is “downstairs” a common word?
“Downstairs” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “downstairs” have?
“Downstairs” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: on or to a lower floor of a building.
What is the difference between downstairs and upstairs?
Downstairs refers to a lower floor of a building, while upstairs refers to a higher floor. Both words can function as adverbs, adjectives, or nouns depending on the sentence.
Is downstairs one word or two words?
Downstairs is written as a single word in standard English, whether it is used as an adverb ("go downstairs"), an adjective ("the downstairs bathroom"), or a noun ("the downstairs was flooded").
Can downstairs be used as a noun?
Yes. As a noun, downstairs refers to the lower floor or floors of a house, as in "the downstairs needs painting." This usage typically takes a singular verb.