Stepchild: meaning, definitions and examples

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stepchild

 

[ ˈstepˌtʃaɪld ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

family relation

A stepchild is a child of one's spouse from a previous relationship. In most cases, a stepchild is not biologically related to one of the parents. However, in blended families, stepchildren often develop strong emotional connections with their stepparents. Legally, a stepparent may have certain rights or duties towards a stepchild, although this varies by jurisdiction. The dynamics of stepfamilies can differ widely, creating unique challenges and opportunities.

Synonyms

blended child, bonus child, stepkid

Examples of usage

  • She treats her stepchild as her own.
  • His stepchild is graduating next month.
  • They adopted a stepchild after their marriage.
  • Stepchildren may have different needs in a blended family.

Translations

Translations of the word "stepchild" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enteado

🇮🇳 सौतेला बच्चा

🇩🇪 Stiefkind

🇮🇩 anak tiri

🇺🇦 падчерка

🇵🇱 dziecko przybrane

🇯🇵 継子

🇫🇷 beau-fils

🇪🇸 hijastro

🇹🇷 üvey çocuk

🇰🇷 의붓 자식

🇸🇦 ابن زوج

🇨🇿 nevlastní dítě

🇸🇰 nevlastné dieťa

🇨🇳 继子

🇸🇮 pomožni otrok

🇮🇸 stefnibarn

🇰🇿 сүйек бала

🇬🇪 ბიძაშვილი

🇦🇿 övlad

🇲🇽 hijo adoptivo

Word origin

The term 'stepchild' dates back to the early 14th century, deriving from the Middle English 'stepchild' and Old English 'stip- / stīp-' meaning 'derived from' or 'step'. The prefix 'step-' indicates a secondary relationship, typically one arising from marriage rather than direct descent, signifying an important cultural and familial bond that grew in prominence with the rise of blended families. Over the centuries, as societal structures changed and divorce rates increased, the concept of stepfamilies became more common. The evolving nature of family dynamics has significantly influenced the language surrounding such relationships, reflecting a broader acceptance of non-traditional family units in modern society.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,811, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.