Settlement
'setlmənt
Definitions
3 meaningsA place where people live and establish a community, often newly established.
'setlmənt
A place where people establish a community.
The early settlers established a small settlement in the valley.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of friends deciding to build a clubhouse. A settlement is like that clubhouse, but for lots of people and with houses and stores!
👶 For kids: A settlement is a place where people build houses and live together.
More Examples
Archaeologists are studying the remains of an ancient settlement.
The government provided resources for the new settlement.
How It's Used
"The new settlement was built near a freshwater spring."
"The first European settlement in North America was Jamestown."
An official agreement intended to resolve a dispute or end a legal case.
'setlmənt
An official agreement to resolve a dispute.
The two parties reached a settlement before the trial.
💡 Simply: When two people argue and then agree to stop arguing, that's like a settlement. They figured out a solution together!
👶 For kids: A settlement is when people agree to stop arguing and find a solution.
More Examples
The company offered a settlement to the injured employee.
The settlement included a financial compensation.
How It's Used
"They reached a settlement in the lawsuit."
"The settlement of the contract was finalized."
The act of settling something, or the state of being settled or resolved.
'setlmənt
The act of settling or the state of being settled.
The settlement of the estate was a complex process.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're moving into a new house and finally getting all your furniture and belongings arranged. That's like the settlement of the move - getting everything in its place!
👶 For kids: Settlement is when things are done or decided.
More Examples
The settlement of the dispute took several years.
The settlement of the trade agreement was beneficial to both countries.
How It's Used
"The settlement of their affairs took several months."
"The settlement of the debt was crucial for the company."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
settlement house
A community center, especially in a poor area, providing services like childcare, education, and recreational activities.
"The settlement house offered free classes to immigrants."
settle an account
To pay a debt or balance owed.
"I need to settle the account with the bank."
From Middle English *setelment*, derived from the verb 'settle', from Old English *setlan* ('to seat, place').
The word 'settlement' has been used since the 14th century to describe the act of settling or the establishment of a place for people to live.
Memory tip
Think of a place where people *settle down* and build homes.
Word Origin
"to seat, place"