Definition

A person who is married to one of your parents but is not your biological parent.

Example

My stepparent is very supportive and caring.

Conversation

Have you met my new stepparent yet?

Not yet! How have they been adjusting to the family?

Pretty well, actually. They really try to connect with us.

That's great to hear! It must make things a lot easier.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stepparent is formed from "step" (from Old English "stæpe", meaning a step or degree of relationship) and "parent" (from Latin "parens", meaning a father or mother). The term refers to a person who is a parent by marriage rather than by blood, indicating a step in the familial relationship.

Memory Tip

Think of 'step' as a degree of relationship and 'parent' as a mother or father — a stepparent is someone who takes a step into the role of a parent.

Visually Confused Words