settle in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
CommonNeutral/Informal
Quick answer
What does “settle in” mean?
To become comfortable and accustomed to a new place or situation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To become comfortable and accustomed to a new place or situation.
To establish oneself in a new environment, often involving unpacking, arranging belongings, and feeling at home; can also refer to adapting to new routines or roles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; used interchangeably in both varieties.
Connotations
Slight emphasis on domesticity in British English, but generally synonymous.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “settle in” in a Sentence
intransitive: subject + settle inwith adverb: subject + settle in + adverbVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “settle in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It took a few days to settle in after the move to Manchester.
- The new neighbours are settling in nicely.
American English
- We need to settle in before we start exploring the city.
- She settled in quickly at her new job in Chicago.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
New employees are given time to settle in before taking on full responsibilities.
Academic
Exchange students often need a semester to settle in to the new academic environment.
Everyday
After moving house, we spent the weekend settling in.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts; more general in nature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “settle in”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “settle in”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “settle in”
- Using 'settle down' instead, which means to become calm or start a family, not necessarily adapt to a new place.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'settle in' is an inseparable phrasal verb; it does not take an object between 'settle' and 'in'.
It is more common in informal or neutral contexts; in formal writing, synonyms like 'adapt' or 'adjust' might be preferred.
'Settle in' refers to adapting to a new place or situation, while 'settle down' means to become calm, stable, or start a family.
It varies depending on the individual and situation, but typically from a few days to several weeks for full adaptation.
To become comfortable and accustomed to a new place or situation.
Settle in: in British English it is pronounced /ˈset.l̩ ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈset̬.l̩ ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “settle in for the long haul”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of settling in like a bird settling into its nest—getting comfortable and secure.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADAPTATION IS SETTLING INTO A PLACE
Practice
Quiz
What does 'settle in' primarily mean?