Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [bak-stairz]
- /ˈbækˈstɛərz/
- /ˌbæk.ˈsteəz/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [bak-stairz]
- /ˈbækˈstɛərz/
Definitions of backstairs word
- noun plural backstairs a secondary staircase in a house, esp one originally for the use of servants 3
- adjective backstairs underhand 3
- adjective backstairs involving intrigue or scandal; secret 3
- adjective backstairs associated or originating with household servants. 1
- adjective backstairs secret, underhanded, or scandalous: backstairs gossip. 1
- noun backstairs Stairs at the back or side of a building. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of backstairs
First appearance:
before 1635 One of the 43% oldest English words
First recorded in 1635-45; adj. use of back stairs
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Backstairs
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
backstairs popularity
A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 65% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
According to our data about 61% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.
backstairs usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for backstairs
adj backstairs
- confidential — Information that is confidential is meant to be kept secret or private.
- covert — Covert activities or situations are secret or hidden.
- classified — Classified information or documents are officially secret.
- secretive — secretory.
- surreptitious — obtained, done, made, etc., by stealth; secret or unauthorized; clandestine: a surreptitious glance.
adjective backstairs
- underhand — not open and aboveboard; secret and crafty or dishonorable: an underhand deal with the chief of police.
- uncommunicative — not inclined to talk or disclose information; reserved; taciturn.
Antonyms for backstairs
adj backstairs
- known — past participle of know1 .
- aboveboard — An arrangement or deal that is aboveboard is legal and is being carried out openly and honestly. A person who is aboveboard is open and honest about what they are doing.
- honest — honorable in principles, intentions, and actions; upright and fair: an honest person.
- forthright — going straight to the point; frank; direct; outspoken: It's sometimes difficult to be forthright and not give offense.
- unconcealed — to hide; withdraw or remove from observation; cover or keep from sight: He concealed the gun under his coat.
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with b
- Words starting with ba
- Words starting with bac
- Words starting with back
- Words starting with backs
- Words starting with backst
- Words starting with backsta
- Words starting with backstai
- Words starting with backstair
- Words starting with backstairs