Meaning & Definition of word "Settle"

Settle

/ˈsɛt.əl/

verb:

  • 1. To resolve or reach an agreement about something.
    • Example: After hours of negotiation, they finally managed to settle the dispute.
  • 2. To establish a home or community in a new place.
    • Example: Many families decided to settle in the Midwest during the westward expansion.
  • 3. To make oneself or another person comfortable.
    • Example: She settled into her new office with excitement.
  • 4. To cause to become calm or quiet.
    • Example: The teacher tried to settle the restless students before the lesson started.
  • 5. To arrange or fix definitively.
    • Example: They settled the details of the event well in advance.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old French 's'eslit', from a variant of 's'aleirs' meaning 'to set down, place'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

settle down:

To begin to live a quieter life in one place.

settle for less:

To accept something not as good as what was desired.

settle a score:

To take revenge or resolve a vendetta.

Related Words

settlement:

The act of reaching an agreement.

settler:

A person who moves to a new area to live.

settled:

Established or fixed in a particular position.

Slang Meanings of settle

Meaning: To compromise or make do.

Example Sentence: I had to settle for a smaller apartment than I wanted.

Meaning: To give up on something better.

Example Sentence: She didn't want to settle, but the job market was tight.