stepchild: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral
Quick answer
What does “stepchild” mean?
A child from one's spouse's previous marriage or relationship.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A child from one's spouse's previous marriage or relationship
Something that receives less attention, support, or funding compared to others in a group; an overlooked or neglected project, department, etc.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Both use 'stepchild' as the standard term. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to greater discussion of blended families in media, but the difference is minimal.
Grammar
How to Use “stepchild” in a Sentence
[possessive determiner] + stepchildstepchild + of + [possessive noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stepchild” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He felt stepchild-like in his attention from the company.
American English
- The department had a stepchild status within the organization.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The sustainability division has become the stepchild of the corporation, receiving minimal budget.
Academic
In medieval studies, early modern drama has long been treated as a stepchild.
Everyday
She has a good relationship with her stepchild from her husband's first marriage.
Technical
(Family law) Rights and responsibilities towards a stepchild are less clearly defined than for biological children.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stepchild”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stepchild”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stepchild”
- Using 'stepchild' to refer to a child one has given up for adoption (incorrect). Confusing with 'foster child'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In its literal family meaning, it is a standard, neutral term. However, its historical baggage and metaphorical use for 'neglected thing' mean sensitivity is advised when using it about actual people.
A stepchild is the biological child of one's spouse from a previous relationship. A foster child is a child placed under temporary legal guardianship by the state, unrelated by marriage.
No, 'stepchild' is not standardly used as a verb. The related action is 'to become a stepparent to' or 'to acquire as a stepchild'.
Yes, the metaphorical meaning ('neglected thing') is widely understood in both British and American English.
A child from one's spouse's previous marriage or relationship.
Stepchild is usually neutral in register.
Stepchild: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɛptʃaɪld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɛpˌtʃaɪld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the stepchild of (something) = the neglected part of”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: a child who comes with a STEP into a new family.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEGLECT IS BEING A STEPCHILD (e.g., 'That project is the department's stepchild').
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, calling a project 'the stepchild of the department' implies it is: