Stepbrother: meaning, definitions and examples

👨‍👦
Add to dictionary

stepbrother

 

[ ˈstɛpˌbrʌðər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

family relation

A stepbrother is a male sibling who is related to you through the remarriage of one of your parents. Unlike biological siblings, stepbrothers do not share blood relations. In most families, stepbrothers may have varying degrees of closeness or involvement, often depending on the family dynamics and individual relationships. The concept of step-siblings is common in blended families, where one or both parents have children from previous relationships. As societal norms evolve, the relationships between step-siblings can be both supportive and complex.

Synonyms

blended brother, brother-in-law, half-brother.

Examples of usage

  • My stepbrother and I grew up together.
  • He introduced his stepbrother to our friends.
  • Their stepbrothers often hang out on weekends.
  • After their parents married, they became stepbrothers.

Translations

Translations of the word "stepbrother" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irmão por parte de pai

🇮🇳 सौतेला भाई

🇩🇪 Stiefbruder

🇮🇩 saudara tiri

🇺🇦 сводний брат

🇵🇱 przyrodni brat

🇯🇵 義理の兄

🇫🇷 demi-frère

🇪🇸 hermano político

🇹🇷 üvey kardeş

🇰🇷 의붓형

🇸🇦 أخ غير شقيق

🇨🇿 nevlastní bratr

🇸🇰 nevlastný brat

🇨🇳 异父兄弟

🇸🇮 polbrat

🇮🇸 sæta bróðir

🇰🇿 аспан бауыр

🇬🇪 ბიძაშვილი

🇦🇿 üvey qardaş

🇲🇽 hermano por parte de padre

Etymology

The term 'stepbrother' originates from the combination of the prefix 'step-' and the word 'brother.' The prefix 'step-' comes from the Old English 'steopa,' which means 'bereaved' or 'orphaned,' and has evolved to refer to a familial relationship that is established through marriage rather than blood. Step relationships emerged as societies began to recognize the complexities of blended families. The concept of step-siblings has become more prominent in modern family structures, particularly with increasing divorce rates and remarriage. The term has been used in English since the late 16th century, evolving to describe the relationships formed when parents marry someone with children from a previous union. Today, stepbrothers are an integral part of the social vocabulary, reflecting the changing dynamics of family life.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,192 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.