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Stepchildren: meaning, definitions and examples

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stepchildren

 

[ ˈstɛpˌtʃɪldrən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

family relationship

Stepchildren are the children of one's spouse from a previous relationship. They are not biologically related to the stepparent but are part of the family unit through marriage. This relationship can require adjustments and adaptations in family dynamics as stepparents navigate their roles. Stepchildren often share living spaces, holidays, and other family traditions with their stepparents and may face challenges in forming bonds. It is important for stepparents to approach their relationships with sensitivity and care.

Synonyms

blended children, stepkids

Examples of usage

  • She treats her stepchildren as her own.
  • Finding common interests with stepchildren can be beneficial.
  • Stepchildren often struggle with acceptance in blended families.

Translations

Translations of the word "stepchildren" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enteados

🇮🇳 सौतेले बच्चे

🇩🇪 Stiefkinder

🇮🇩 anak tiri

🇺🇦 сочадці

🇵🇱 pasierbowie

🇯🇵 継子

🇫🇷 beaux-enfants

🇪🇸 hijastros

🇹🇷 üvey çocuklar

🇰🇷 의붓자녀

🇸🇦 أبناء الزوجة

🇨🇿 nevlastní děti

🇸🇰 nevlastné deti

🇨🇳 继子女

🇸🇮 mače

🇮🇸 stjúpfjölskyldan

🇰🇿 сүйек діні

🇬🇪 ბავშვები წყვილიდან

🇦🇿 övladlar

🇲🇽 hijastros

Etymology

The term 'stepchildren' has its roots in Old English, deriving from the word 'steop', meaning 'orphan' or 'bereaved'. The prefix ‘step-’ has historically been used to denote relationships not through blood but through marriage. The evolution of blended families, particularly during the Middle Ages, highlighted the need for terms that described complex family structures. As marriages often included children from prior relationships, the usage of 'step' became prevalent in describing these non-biological familial ties. Throughout history, legal and social changes regarding marriage, divorce, and family definitions in various cultures helped to solidify the term in modern language, emphasizing the importance of these relationships within contemporary family dynamics.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,324 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.