Stepchild: meaning, definitions and examples
👶
stepchild
[ ˈstepˌtʃaɪld ]
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
- Stieftochter
- Stiefsohn
🇮🇩 anak tiri
- anak tiri perempuan
- anak tiri laki-laki
🇺🇦 падчерка
🇵🇱 dziecko przybrane
- pasierb
- pasierbica
🇯🇵 継子
- 継娘
- 継息子
🇫🇷 beau-fils
🇪🇸 hijastro
🇹🇷 üvey çocuk
- üvey oğul
- üvey kız
🇰🇷 의붓 자식
- 의붓 아들
- 의붓 딸
🇸🇦 ابن زوج
🇨🇿 nevlastní dítě
- nevlastní syn
- nevlastní dcera
🇸🇰 nevlastné dieťa
- nevlastný syn
- nevlastná dcéra
🇨🇳 继子
🇸🇮 pomožni otrok
- posinak
- posek
🇮🇸 stefnibarn
- stjúpa
- stjúpsonur
🇰🇿 сүйек бала
- асыранды бала
- асыранды қыз
🇬🇪 ბიძაშვილი
- stepson
- stepdaughter
🇦🇿 övlad
- ögey oğul
- ögey qız
🇲🇽 hijo adoptivo
Etymology
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.