stepfather
UK: ˈstɛpˌfɑːðə | US: ˈstɛpˌfɑːðər
n. a man who is married to one's parent but is not one's biological father.
The term "stepfather" emerged in Old English as "stēopfæder," combining "stēop-" (indicating a non-biological relationship) and "fæder" (father). It reflects societal structures where remarriage introduced new parental figures. Unlike "father," which implies biological lineage, "step-" clarifies the marital bond as the connecting thread. The prefix's evolution from "orphaned" to "remarriage-related" mirrors changing family dynamics in medieval Europe.
Her stepfather always treated her with kindness and respect.
After the divorce, his mother remarried, and he gained a supportive stepfather.
The children struggled to adjust to their new stepfather at first.
In fairy tales, stepfathers are often portrayed negatively, but reality is usually different.
He introduced his stepfather proudly at the school event.