Stepmother: meaning, definitions and examples
👩👧👦
stepmother
[ ˈstɛpˌmʌðər ]
family relationship
A stepmother is a woman who is married to someone's father, but is not their biological mother. Stepmothers can play various roles in the lives of their stepchildren, depending on the family dynamics and individual relationships. Some stepmothers may become very close to their stepchildren, while others may face challenges in forming bonds. The term is often associated with blended families, which are formed when one or both partners in a relationship have children from previous relationships.
Synonyms
bonus mom, second mother
Examples of usage
- My stepmother makes the best cookies.
- After my father remarried, I had to adjust to living with my stepmother.
- It's important for stepmothers to communicate openly with their stepchildren.
Translations
Translations of the word "stepmother" in other languages:
🇵🇹 madrasta
🇮🇳 सौतेली माँ
🇩🇪 Stiefmutter
🇮🇩 ibu tiri
🇺🇦 світла мати
🇵🇱 macocha
🇯🇵 義母
🇫🇷 belle-mère
🇪🇸 madrastra
🇹🇷 üvey anne
🇰🇷 계모
🇸🇦 أم زوج (زوجة الأب)
🇨🇿 nevlastní matka
🇸🇰 nevlastná matka
🇨🇳 继母
🇸🇮 mačeha
🇮🇸 stjúpka
🇰🇿 өгей ана
🇬🇪 დედამთილი
🇦🇿 həyat yoldaşının anası
🇲🇽 madrastra
Etymology
The word 'stepmother' comes from the Old English word 'steopmōdor,' which means 'the mother of a stepchild.' The prefix 'step-' comes from the Old English 'stig,' meaning 'to step,' indicating that the relationship is not by birth but by marriage. This lineage reflects the social structures in which families often blended due to marriage, allowing individuals to form new familial bonds. Over time, the concept of a stepmother evolved, often portrayed in folklore and literature as having a dual nature, sometimes caring and nurturing, at other times depicted as harsh or unloving, particularly in fairy tales. This dichotomy has influenced societal views on stepmothers, leading to both positive and negative stereotypes that persist today. As family structures continue to change, the understanding of what it means to be a stepmother has also shifted, emphasizing the importance of love, role modeling, and the complexity of modern relationships.