upper story

Above ground level

Upper story is a floor above ground level in a building: The fire spread to the upper stories.

Figuratively, it refers to the mind or brain, treating the head as the top floor of the body: He's a little weak in the upper story.

This second sense is informal and mildly humorous, suggesting mental deficiency or eccentricity.

architecture

attic

Space beneath the roof

loftSpace beneath the roof
garretSmall rooftop living space
mezzanineIntermediate story between floors

penthouse · dormer · mansard · balcony · balustrade · banister · rafter · eaves · gable · cornice

intelligence

mind

Seat of consciousness

brainSeat of cognition
intellectMental reasoning capacity
witsMental quickness and resourcefulness

cognition · reasoning · mental faculties · gray matter · smarts · thinking · head · nous · marbles

views

panorama

Unobstructed wide-angle view

vistaPleasing distant scene
cityscapeView of urban architecture
skylineUrban profile against atmosphere

horizon · overlook · birdseye · aerial · sightline · landscape · scenery · outlook · prospect · expanse

seclusion

privacy

Freedom from observation

solitudeState of being alone
retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
sanctuaryProtected sacred space

hideaway · withdrawal · isolation · hermitage · refuge · quietude · escape · remove · tower room · hidden room

Categories

Building metaphorsfoundation, building blocks, cornerstone, pillar, framework
layerscanopy layer, paper sheets, veneer, laminate, cloud layer
upper floorstop floor, second floor, third floor, penthouse, attic
Upper levelspenthouse, top floor, balcony, mezzanine, loft

Opposites

vertical position in a building

upper storybasement

Subterranean building level

ground floor · cellar · first floor · foundation · garden level

mental faculty (slang)

upper storydim-witted

Lacking intelligence or quickness

vacant · slow on the uptake

mental faculties (slang)

upper storygut

Digestive tract, or instinct

heart · nether regions

Family

upper, story, upped, upping, storied, stories, storeys, storey

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G