Settles
/ˈsɛtəlz/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo resolve a dispute, problem, or disagreement; to come to an agreement.
/ˈsɛtəlz/
To come to an agreement or resolution.
The negotiators finally settled the dispute after weeks of talks.
💡 Simply: It's like when you and your friend argue over a toy and you both agree on a way to share it. You settle the argument!
👶 For kids: To decide something or make a deal.
More Examples
They settled their differences and are now working together.
We decided to settle on a date for the party.
How It's Used
"The two parties settled the lawsuit out of court."
"They are trying to settle the terms of the merger."
To establish a permanent residence or colony in a place.
/ˈsɛtəlz/
To move to and live in a new place or country.
The colonists settled in Jamestown.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're moving to a new house and making it your home. That's settling!
👶 For kids: To go to live in a new place and make it your home.
More Examples
Many families settled in the suburbs after the war.
She decided to settle down in a quiet village.
How It's Used
"Pioneers settled the American West."
"Many immigrants settled in New York City."
To become still, calm, or quiet; to subside.
/ˈsɛtəlz/
To become still or calm.
The crowd settled down after the announcement.
💡 Simply: It's like when the bubbles in a soda go away and the drink becomes calm. That's settling!
👶 For kids: To become still or quiet, like when the rain stops.
More Examples
The coffee grounds settled at the bottom of the pot.
Once the excitement settled, we could think clearly.
How It's Used
"The dust settled after the explosion."
"The storm settled down in the afternoon."
To pay a debt or account; to resolve a financial obligation.
/ˈsɛtəlz/
To pay or resolve a debt or account.
She settled her credit card balance.
💡 Simply: It's like when you give money for something you bought. You settle the bill!
👶 For kids: To pay for something you owe.
More Examples
The insurance company settled the claim.
They settled up the accounts at the end of the month.
How It's Used
"He settled his bill at the restaurant."
"The company is expected to settle its debts."
Synonyms
Agree
Compromise
Conclude
Reconcile
Resolve
Establish
Inhabit
Reside
Calm
Quiet
Clear
Discharge
Pay
Repay
Antonyms
Argue
Dispute
Fight
Oppose
Leave
Migrate
Excite
Rise
Default
Delay
Owe
Idioms & expressions
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 Middle English *setlen*, from Old English *setlan* ('to set, establish'), related to *sittan* ('to sit').
Used extensively in early English texts, particularly in contexts of establishing communities and resolving conflicts.
Memory tip
Think of a courtroom where a judge helps people settle their differences.