The word "stairs" is spelled with four letters: S-T-A-I-R-S. It is pronounced using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /stɛərz/. The first three letters, /stɛ/, represent the "stair" sound, while the "s" at the end represents the plural form. The combination of the letters "ai" creates a diphthong sound, as in "air". So, the correct pronunciation for "stairs" is "stairz", with the emphasis on the first syllable. Remembering the spelling of words is important to communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
Stairs, as defined in the dictionary, are a set of steps arranged in a fixed order, usually leading from one level to another within a building or structure. They are commonly used for vertical transportation, providing a safe means of ascending or descending between different floors or areas.
Stairs typically consist of a series of individual steps, often made of a hard material such as wood, concrete, or metal, that are designed to support the weight of people using them. The steps are generally evenly spaced and inclined at a specific angle to facilitate comfortable and efficient movement.
Within a building, stairs serve as a vital component of the architectural design, enabling people to move vertically without the need for an elevator or escalator. They can vary in size, shape, and style, depending on the purpose and aesthetic preferences of the structure.
Stairs are equipped with railings or handrails that run parallel to the steps, providing additional stability and support for individuals using the staircase. These safety features help prevent falls or accidents and are particularly important for individuals with mobility issues or balance difficulties.
Stairs are found in various places, including residential buildings, office complexes, schools, shopping centers, stadiums, and many other public and private spaces. They are essential for accessibility and are often regulated by building codes and safety standards to ensure they meet specific requirements, such as step height, width, tread depth, handrail dimensions, and overall safety guidelines.
In summary, stairs are a system of steps designed to facilitate vertical movement within a building, serving as a safe means of traversing between different levels or floors.
A series of steps leading upwards or downwards.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "stairs" originated from the Old English word "stæger", which referred to a flight of steps or a staircase. This word can be traced back even further to the Proto-Germanic root word "stigriją", meaning "to ascend" or "to go up". It is also related to the Old Norse word "stiga" and the Middle Low German word "stegere". Ultimately, the etymology of "stairs" can be linked to the ancient Indo-European root word "steg-" which carries a similar meaning of climbing or ascending.