Stair vs. Stare: What's the Difference?
Stair and stare are homophones that sound the same but have different meanings and uses. A stair refers to a single step or a series of steps that are part of a staircase, which people use to move from one floor level to another in a building. In contrast, stare means to look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something for a prolonged period.
How do you use the word stair in a sentence?
The word stair is most commonly used to denote a single step within a set of stairs or a flight of stairs. When referring to multiple steps, you would typically use the plural form, stairs. Stairs can also suggest progression or transition from one level to another in a metaphorical sense.
Examples of stair in a sentence
- Please be careful when walking down the narrow stair.
- The antique shop was tucked away at the top of a steep stair.
- He paused on the final stair to catch his breath.
How do you use the word stare in a sentence?
The word stare is used as a verb to describe the act of looking intently at something or someone. The gaze can be curious, rude, vacant, or intense. It is often used to convey a wide range of emotions, including surprise, disbelief, or deep thought.
Examples of stare in a sentence
- She couldn't help but stare at the beautiful sunset.
- The children would stare in wonder every time he performed a magic trick.
- During the lecture, he would often stare off into space, lost in his own thoughts.
Stair and stare definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Stair definition:
Stair is a noun that refers to a set of steps leading from one level of a structure to another, especially within a building. A stair can be a step itself or the entire sequence forming a staircase.
Stair parts of speech:
Stair pronunciation:
Stair is pronounced as /stɛər/.
Stare definition:
Stare, as a verb, means to look fixedly or with eyes wide open, typically at something for a long time, whether in surprise, thought, or by way of a fixed attention.
Stare parts of speech:
Stare pronunciation:
Stare is pronounced as /stɛər/.
Stair is a noun that refers to a set of steps leading from one level of a structure to another, especially within a building. A stair can be a step itself or the entire sequence forming a staircase.
Stair parts of speech:
- He tripped on a stair while racing upstairs.
- The spiral stairs added a touch of elegance to the old mansion.
Stair pronunciation:
Stair is pronounced as /stɛər/.
Stare definition:
Stare, as a verb, means to look fixedly or with eyes wide open, typically at something for a long time, whether in surprise, thought, or by way of a fixed attention.
Stare parts of speech:
- The audience began to stare in awe as the curtain rose.
- Don't stare too long into the abyss; it might stare back into you.
Stare pronunciation:
Stare is pronounced as /stɛər/.
Stair vs. Stare in a nutshell
Understanding the difference between stair and stare is crucial in both speech and writing, despite their identical pronunciation. Stair is focused on the physical steps that help us navigate different elevations. Conversely, stare describes the action of looking intently at a subject, often implying focus or emotion. Homophones like these serve as an excellent reminder of the richness and complexity of the English language.
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