Downstair vs. Downstairs: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 7, 2023
"Downstair" is a rare, often incorrect variant of "downstairs," which refers to the area or floors located below the main level of a building.
Key Differences
"Downstair" is seldom used and generally considered a nonstandard form of "downstairs," which designates the lower floor or levels of a structure. The prefix "down-" implies a lower position or descent, and while "stair" refers to the steps themselves, "stairs" is the more common form when referring to the concept of levels in a building. "Downstair," when encountered, is usually a misspelling or a typographical error. In contrast, "downstairs" is the correct term to describe something located on the lower floors of a building and is commonly used in both spoken and written English.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
"Downstair," lacking the final -s, diverges from the standard plural form used in compound nouns describing parts of a building. In English, such compound nouns are typically plural when they refer to a system or network within a structure, as in "stairs" or "hallways." "Downstairs," with the -s, aligns with this convention, indicating not just one stair, but the entire lower level or the stairway as a whole. Therefore, "downstair" may confuse readers or listeners, as it suggests a singular form where a plural is expected.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
In usage, "downstair" is not recognized by most dictionaries and is likely to be corrected to "downstairs" by spellcheckers and editors. "Downstairs" is the standard adverb or adjective, used to describe an action taking place on a lower floor ("He went downstairs.") or to qualify a noun as being on a lower floor ("The downstairs bathroom is available."). The distinction is important for clear communication, as using the standard "downstairs" ensures understanding and correctness.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
The rarity of "downstair" is such that it is not included in most grammar rules or style guides, which focus on "downstairs" to describe locations beneath the ground floor. "Downstairs" can also be used metaphorically, to indicate a lower status or degradation ("Moving from CEO to an entry-level position felt like going downstairs."), a usage that "downstair" does not share, due to its nonstandard and uncommon nature.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
"Downstair" may sometimes appear in older texts or in dialectal usage, but it remains an anomaly. "Downstairs," on the other hand, is universally recognized and used to indicate direction ("Let's move the furniture downstairs."), location ("The party is happening downstairs."), or even as a noun ("The downstairs has been renovated recently."), demonstrating its versatility and established place in the English language.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage Frequency
Rarely used, often considered incorrect.
Commonly used in both spoken and written English.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Dictionary Inclusion
Generally not included in standard dictionaries.
Included in standard dictionaries.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Grammatical Number
Implies singular, but used incorrectly as plural.
Correctly used as plural.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Context
Not standard, potentially confusing.
Standard usage for lower levels of a building.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Metaphorical Use
Not used metaphorically due to rarity.
Can denote a decrease in status or level.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
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Downstair and Downstairs Definitions
Downstair
A misspelling of downstairs.
She accidentally wrote 'downstair' instead of 'downstairs'.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Downstairs
To or on a lower floor of a building.
We heard footsteps coming from downstairs.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Downstair
Rare variant that could be seen in non-standard English texts.
The downstair lighting needs to be fixed.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
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Downstairs
To a less important or prestigious level or position.
After the merger, they moved him downstairs to an entry-level position.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Downstair
Sometimes used in older or regional English.
The downstair rooms are cooler in the summer.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Downstairs
Indicating movement from a higher to a lower level.
She went downstairs to get some water.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Downstair
Might appear in dialectal variations.
He's waiting in the downstair hall.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Downstairs
Refers to the lower floor of a building.
Let's eat breakfast downstairs.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Downstair
On or of the lower floors of a building, especially the ground floor; as, the downstairs (or downstair phone; the house has no downstairs bathroom. Opposite of upstairs.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 02, 2023
Downstairs
To or on a lower floor
Waited downstairs while her parents were getting dressed.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 02, 2023
Downstair
On or of lower floors of a building;
The downstairs (or downstair) phone
Sumera Saeed
Jan 02, 2023
FAQs
Is "downstair" correct English?
"Downstair" is generally a nonstandard variant of "downstairs" and is rarely used.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Can "downstairs" be used as an adverb?
Yes, "downstairs" can function as an adverb, as in "She walked downstairs."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Is "downstair" found in dictionaries?
"Downstair" is typically not found in standard dictionaries; "downstairs" is the correct term.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Does "downstair" have a metaphorical meaning?
No, "downstair" is not used metaphorically; "downstairs" can be used to imply a lower status.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Can "downstairs" refer to a location?
Yes, "downstairs" can refer to a location in a building, like "the party is downstairs."
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
How is "downstairs" used in a sentence?
"Downstairs" is used to indicate location or direction, e.g., "The library is downstairs."
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Is "downstair" acceptable in formal writing?
"Downstair" is usually considered incorrect in formal writing; "downstairs" should be used.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Can "downstair" be an adverb?
While "downstair" can technically be an adverb, it is an unusual and nonstandard form.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Can "downstairs" be a noun?
Yes, "downstairs" can be a noun, as in "The downstairs is being renovated."
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Can "downstairs" be used as an adjective?
Yes, "downstairs" can be an adjective, as in "the downstairs bathroom."
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
How can "downstairs" express movement?
"Downstairs" expresses movement towards a lower floor, as in "going downstairs for dinner."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Does "downstair" convey a specific floor?
"Downstair" does not clearly convey a specific floor due to its uncommon usage.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Is "downstair" a plural noun?
"Downstair" is not typically used; "downstairs" acts as a plural noun in context.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Do "downstair" and "downstairs" mean the same thing?
"Downstair" is often intended to mean the same as "downstairs," but it is not standard usage.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Would "downstair" be flagged in spellcheck?
Yes, most spellcheck programs would flag "downstair" as a potential error.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
What part of speech is "downstairs" when it describes a room?
When describing a room, "downstairs" is an adjective, as in "the downstairs room."
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Is "downstairs" ever spelled with a hyphen?
"Downstairs" is typically spelled without a hyphen.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Is "downstairs" used internationally?
Yes, "downstairs" is widely understood and used in English-speaking countries.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Is "downstair" ever correct in modern English?
"Downstair" is not standard in modern English; "downstairs" is the correct form.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Are there any contexts where "downstair" is appropriate?
"Downstair" may appear in dialectal or historical contexts but is otherwise not standard.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
