half-sister
/'hɑ:f,sistə/
Definition
Noun A female sibling who shares only one biological parent with you. This means you have either the same mother but different fathers, or the same father but different mothers.
Usage
The term "half-sister" is used to specify a familial relationship that is genetically partial. It is a neutral, factual term commonly used in legal, genealogical, and everyday contexts to describe this specific sibling connection. * She is my half-sister; we have the same mother. * I grew up with my half-sister even though we have different fathers.
Advanced Usage
- The term clarifies biological lineage, especially in contexts involving inheritance, family medical history, or blended families.
- It can be used in contrast to "full sister" or "whole sister," who shares both biological parents.
- Example: "I have two sisters: one is my full sister, and the other is my half-sister from my father's first marriage."
Variants and Related Words
- Half-brother (noun): A male sibling who shares only one biological parent with you.
- Stepsister (noun): A female sibling related through the marriage of one's parent, with no shared biological parent. This is a different relationship from a half-sister.
- Sibling (noun): A general term for a brother or sister.
Synonyms
- Sister (in a general, non-specific context, though it lacks precision).
- There is no perfect single-word synonym that captures the meaning of "half-sister"; the term itself is the precise descriptor.
Antonyms
- Full sister (noun): A sister who shares both biological parents with you.
Related Phrases
- On my father's/mother's side: This phrase is often used to specify which parent is shared.
- Example: "She's my half-sister on my mother's side."
Noun
-
a sister who has only one parent in common with you
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