settle
High frequency (C1 in CEFR).Neutral to formal. Informal in phrasal verbs (settle down) and certain uses (settle a score).
Definition
Meaning
To resolve, establish, or come to rest; to end a dispute or choose a place to live.
To pay a debt, to colonize a land, to become calm or clear (as in a liquid), or to arrange/decide definitively. Can also refer to accepting less than originally desired.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Centers on themes of finality, stability, and resolution. Often implies a transition from movement/uncertainty to rest/permanence. The 'accept less' meaning can carry a negative connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. In law, 'settle an estate' is more common in US; 'settle a bill' is standard in UK. 'Settle up' (to pay what is owed) is more informal and frequent in US.
Connotations
Similar. The phrase 'settle for' (accept something less) has same pragmatic force.
Frequency
Comparatively high in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
settle + (prepositional phrase: in/into/on)settle + object (a dispute, a bill)settle + to infinitive (settle to work)settle + that-clausesettle + for + noun phraseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “settle a score”
- “settle old scores”
- “dust settles”
- “settle someone's hash”
- “settle down to brass tacks”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To pay an invoice ('settle the account'), to reach a legal/financial agreement ('settle out of court').
Academic
To establish theories or populations ('The theory settled into orthodoxy', 'Pioneers settled the frontier').
Everyday
To move into a new home ('settle into the flat'), to relax ('settle in front of the TV'), to end an argument.
Technical
In chemistry/physics, for particles in suspension to fall to the bottom; in law, to conclude litigation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They hope to settle the matter before the tribunal.
- We need to settle the hotel bill before checkout.
- He finally settled in a quiet village in Cornwall.
American English
- Let's settle this argument once and for all.
- The check will settle the account in full.
- They decided to settle in Oregon after years of traveling.
adverb
British English
- No direct adverb form. 'Settlingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
American English
- No direct adverb form. 'Settlingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as a standalone adjective. Only in compounds like 'settled weather'.
American English
- Not applicable as a standalone adjective. Past participle 'settled' is used adjectivally (e.g., a settled life).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bird settled on the branch.
- The children settled into their new school.
- Please settle the bill.
- We must settle this disagreement quickly.
- After the storm, the dust began to settle.
- They want to settle in a warmer country.
- The company agreed to settle the lawsuit out of court.
- It took months for her to settle into her senior role.
- He refused to settle for second best.
- The sediment will settle if you leave the solution undisturbed.
- Historical forces settled the demographic pattern of the region.
- A sense of melancholy settled over the gathering.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SET of TLEs (tiles) finally falling into place, creating a stable, SETTLED pattern.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESOLUTION IS SETTLING (as sediment settles, making liquid clear); AGREEMENT IS COMING TO REST.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusing 'settle' (уладить, решить) with 'install' (устанавливать оборудование).
- Using 'settle' for 'sit down' (сесть) is incorrect.
- 'Settle a problem' is correct, but 'settle in a city' means to move there permanently, not just to visit.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'I settled the lamp on the table.' (Use 'put' or 'placed').
- Incorrect: *'They settled to go abroad.' (Use 'decided').
- Preposition error: *'She settled into live there.' -> 'She settled there to live.' or 'She settled into life there.'
Practice
Quiz
Which use of 'settle' implies accepting something inferior?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While core meanings involve coming to rest (physically), it is extensively used metaphorically for resolving disputes, paying debts, and establishing stability.
'Solve' focuses on finding an answer to a problem (solve a puzzle, solve an equation). 'Settle' focuses on bringing a matter to a conclusion, often involving agreement or payment (settle a dispute, settle a bill).
It can imply that as part of starting a stable, family life, but it more broadly means to adopt a quieter, more stable lifestyle, often in one place.
It is neutral. It is appropriate in formal contexts (legal/financial settlement) and informal ones (settle down on the sofa).