upstairs

[ˈʌpˌstɛəz]
[ˈʌpˌstɛɹz]
German
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Upstairs refers to a part of a building that's higher than the ground floor.

When you need something or want some peace and quiet, you can go upstairs. Maybe your room is upstairs, or maybe there's a cozy study or a guest bedroom up there. Some people have an office or a home gym upstairs. If you're visiting someone's house, they might say "My sister's room is upstairs, would you like to see it?" Or, if you're in a hotel, the rooms with beds usually are upstairs, but sometimes there are even floors higher, like executive suites.

How common is "upstairs"?

Word upstairs is considered uncommon in modern English.
It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions

noun

  • An upper storey.

adjective

  • Located on a higher floor or level of a building.

    Example: They can sleep in the upstairs bedroom.

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adverb

  • Up the stairs; on a higher floor or level.

    Example: I hate the people who live upstairs, and I especially hate their piano.

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downstairs