A1adverb 1K

Downstairs

UK /["/ˌdaʊnˈsteəz/"]/ US /["/ˌdaʊnˈsterz/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

down the stairs; on or to a floor of a house or building lower than the one you are on, especially the one at ground level

Listen to definition

In simple words: the lower floor of a building

Examples

• I couldn't sleep so I **went downstairs** and watched TV.
• I heard someone coming downstairs.
• She rushed downstairs and burst into the kitchen.
• Wait downstairs in the hall.

Usage notes

Used to indicate a lower level in a multi-story building. It's polite and commonly used in everyday conversation. Avoid using in overly formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'down' and imagine walking down the stairs to a lower level.

Collocations

• go downstairs
• downstairs neighbor
• downstairs bathroom

Synonyms

• below
• lower level
• down

Antonyms

• upstairs

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'upstairs' meaning the upper floor.
• Using it as an adjective instead of an adverb.