Settle
'sɛtl
Definitions
4 meaningsTo bring to an end a dispute or disagreement; to resolve.
'sɛtl
To resolve a disagreement or problem.
The two countries settled their border dispute through diplomacy.
💡 Simply: Imagine two kids fighting over a toy. 'To settle' means they finally stop fighting and agree on who gets to play with it.
👶 For kids: To make a problem or argument go away.
More Examples
After hours of negotiation, the union and management finally settled the contract.
How It's Used
"The lawyers worked to settle the dispute out of court."
"They finally settled their argument after a long discussion."
To establish a permanent residence; to colonize or populate.
'sɛtl
To establish residence; to make a home.
The family settled in a new town after the father got a job.
💡 Simply: It's like finding a place you love and deciding to live there forever. Like choosing your favorite park to always play in.
👶 For kids: To find a place to live.
More Examples
Many immigrants settled in the United States in the early 20th century.
How It's Used
"Pioneers settled the new territory, building farms and towns."
"After years of traveling, they decided to settle down in a quiet village."
To become quiet, calm, or stable.
'sɛtl
To become calm or still.
The dust began to settle after the explosion.
💡 Simply: Imagine a bouncy ball slowly coming to a stop. 'To settle' is like that—calming down.
👶 For kids: To be still and quiet.
More Examples
Once the excitement subsided, the crowd began to settle down.
How It's Used
"After the storm, the sea began to settle."
"The patient's breathing settled after receiving medication."
To pay an amount owed or a claim; to pay off.
'sɛtl
To pay a debt or account.
The company settled the lawsuit out of court.
💡 Simply: It's like paying for the ice cream you bought. You're 'settling' the cost!
👶 For kids: To pay money that you owe.
More Examples
I will settle the invoice today.
How It's Used
"He settled the bill at the restaurant."
"The insurance company settled the claim."
Synonyms
Agree
Compromise
Conclude
Resolve
Inhabit
Reside
Calm
Quiet
Clear
Discharge
Pay
Antonyms
Argue
Disagree
Dispute
Oppose
Abandon
Evacuate
Leave
Migrate
Disturb
Excite
Borrow
Default
Owe
Idioms & expressions
settle down
To become calmer or more relaxed.
"The children finally settled down after a long day of playing."
settle for
To accept something, especially something less desirable than what you wanted or expected.
"Since the restaurant was full, we had to settle for pizza instead."
settle in
To become comfortable or familiar with a new place or situation.
"It takes a while to settle in when you move to a new country."
From Old English *setlan*, from Proto-Germanic *satilōną*, related to 'seat' and meaning to cause to sit, to place, to establish.
The word 'settle' has been used since Old English times, initially relating to the action of sitting and then evolving to encompass the ideas of establishing, resolving, and calming.
Memory tip
Think of two people shaking hands after agreeing to something, showing that they have settled the disagreement.