abovestairs
|a-bove-stairs|
🇺🇸
/əˈboʊvˌstɛrz/
🇬🇧
/əˈbəʊvˌstɛəz/
upper floors
Etymology
'abovestairs' originates from Middle English, combining 'above' and 'stairs', where 'above' meant 'higher' and 'stairs' referred to 'steps'.
'abovestairs' changed from the Middle English phrase 'aboven the steeres' and eventually became the modern English word 'abovestairs'.
Initially, it meant 'on the upper steps', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'pertaining to the upper floors'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
located on or pertaining to the upper floors of a building.
The abovestairs rooms were reserved for the guests.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adverb 1
in or to the upper floors of a building.
The servants were not allowed to go abovestairs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/05 09:51