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Stepfather: meaning, definitions and examples

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stepfather

 

[ ˈstɛpˌfɑːðər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

family relationship

A stepfather is a man who is married to one's mother after the divorce or the death of one's biological father. He may or may not have children of his own. The role of a stepfather can vary widely, from being a supportive father figure to someone who may have a conflicted relationship with the children. Stepfathers can play an essential role in a blended family, often contributing to the emotional and social development of their stepchildren.

Synonyms

bonus dad, father figure, second father.

Examples of usage

  • My stepfather taught me how to ride a bike.
  • Many children find it challenging to adjust to a new stepfather.
  • He became a great stepfather despite initial difficulties.
  • Children appreciate if their stepfather is involved in their lives.

Translations

Translations of the word "stepfather" in other languages:

🇵🇹 padrasto

🇮🇳 सौतेला पिता

🇩🇪 Stiefvater

🇮🇩 ayah tiri

🇺🇦 вітчим

🇵🇱 ojczym

🇯🇵 義理の父

🇫🇷 beau-père

🇪🇸 padrastro

🇹🇷 üvey baba

🇰🇷 의붓아버지

🇸🇦 أب بالتبني

🇨🇿 nevlastní otec

🇸🇰 nevlastný otec

🇨🇳 继父

🇸🇮 očim

🇮🇸 stjúpfaðir

🇰🇿 сүрбойдақ әке

🇬🇪 ბიძაშვილი

🇦🇿 övlad atası

🇲🇽 padrastro

Etymology

The term 'stepfather' derives from the Old English 'stēop', which means 'step', or 'missing', combined with 'father', indicative of a man who assumes the fatherly role after a child's natural father is absent due to death or divorce. This linguistic formation reflects societal structures in which families adapt to changing circumstances. The historical presence of stepfamilies can be traced back to ancient practices, where remarriage played a significant role in the continuation of the family unit. In medieval times, stepfamilies were common due to high mortality rates and the frequent need for widows and widowers to remarry. As societal attitudes evolved, so too did the concept of stepfatherhood, often becoming associated with both challenges and unique opportunities for family bonding. The modern perception of stepfathers emphasizes their integral role within blended families, often requiring negotiation of complex relationships with stepchildren, biological parents, and extended families.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,955, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.