stepfamily
|step/fam/i/ly|
B2
/ˈstɛpˌfæmɪli/
blended family unit
Etymology
Etymology Information
'stepfamily' originates from the Old English word 'steop,' which referred to a bereaved family member, combined with 'family,' from Latin 'familia,' meaning 'household.'
Historical Evolution
'steop' evolved into 'step' in Middle English, and combined with 'family,' it became 'stepfamily' in modern English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a family with a bereaved member, but now it refers to a blended family unit.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a family in which at least one parent has children from a previous relationship, creating a blended family unit.
After her parents remarried, she became part of a stepfamily.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41