Pronunciation: [stˈɛp sˈɪstə] (IPA) 
The word "step sister" is spelled with two separate words, and is pronounced as /stɛp ˈsɪstər/. The first part of the word, "step", is pronounced with a short "e" sound followed by a "p" sound, while "sister" is pronounced with a short "i" sound and a "s" sound. The term "step sister" refers to a woman who is the daughter of one's step-parent, and is not related biologically.
Step sister refers to a female individual who shares at least one biological or step parent with another person, usually a sibling of the opposite gender. A step sister can be a result of a parent's remarriage, where their new spouse already has a daughter or daughters from a previous relationship or marriage. The term can also apply in scenarios where two individuals who were previously married or in a long-term relationship had children, and one of the partners went on to marry someone else, resulting in a new sibling-like relationship.
Step sisters can vary in age, background, and upbringing, just like biological sisters. They may or may not have a close bond, as the strength of their relationship often depends on individual personalities, circumstances, and dynamics within the family. While step sisters do not share a direct blood relation, they are typically still considered to be part of the immediate family unit.
As with any sibling relationship, step sisters may experience a range of interactions and emotions, including friendship, rivalry, support, and occasional disagreements. Due to the blending of families, step sisters often face adjustment challenges during the initial stages of their relationship, as they adapt to new family dynamics, shared living spaces, and possibly navigating different cultural or familial backgrounds. Nevertheless, step sisters can develop strong bonds, providing each other companionship, camaraderie, and support throughout their lives.
The word "step sister" has a straightforward etymology.
The term "sister" comes from the Old English word "sweostor", which has Germanic origins. The word "sweostor" has evolved into various forms across different languages, such as "syster" in Old Norse, "soster" in Middle Low German, and "sœur" in Old French.
The term "step" in "step sister" originates from the Old English word "stéop", which means "related by marriage" or "bereaved". The word "step" derives from the Proto-Germanic word "staba" or "stapō", which translates to "in-law" or "orphan". It is worth noting that, in the past, the term "step" often referred to relationships formed through marriage or adoption.
