Definition

Noun: A family connection that is formed through the remarriage of a parent. It describes the relationship between individuals who are not biologically or legally related by birth or original adoption, but who become connected because one of their parents marries the other's parent.

Usage

This term is used to describe the nature of the connection within a stepfamily. It is a formal or technical term often found in sociological, legal, or family studies contexts. - The steprelationship between a stepmother and her stepchild can vary greatly in closeness. - Understanding the dynamics of a steprelationship is important for family counselors.

Examples

• Their steprelationship began when her father married his mother.
• The legal rights within a steprelationship are often less clear than those in a biological relationship.
• He wrote a thesis on the challenges and rewards of the modern steprelationship.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be modified to specify the type of relationship, e.g., "stepfather-stepdaughter steprelationship" or "sibling steprelationship" (referring to stepsiblings).
• It is often discussed in contrast to "biological relationship" or "legal relationship" (from adoption).

Variants and Related Words

• Stepfamily (n): A family where at least one parent has children from a previous relationship.
• Step-relative (n): A person connected by a steprelationship, such as a stepfather, stepmother, stepbrother, stepsister, or stepchild.
• Stepparent (n): A person who is married to one's parent but is not one's biological or original adoptive parent.

Synonyms

• Blended family relationship: (This phrase is more common in everyday language but is less precise, as it can encompass the entire family unit rather than the specific connection between two individuals.)
• Affinal relationship by remarriage: (A very formal, anthropological term.)

Notes

• "Steprelationship" is a compound noun formed from the prefix "step-" (indicating a connection through remarriage) and the noun "relationship."
• It is a neutral term that describes the structural connection without implying its emotional quality, which can range from distant to very close.

Noun

1. a family relationship by virtue of remarriage