Settled vs We're quits

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Settled

Top 2,000 (common)

We're quits

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: SettledMost common: Settled
 SettledWe're quits
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ˈsɛt.əld//🇺🇸 //ˈsɛt.əld//🇬🇧 //wɪr kwɪts//🇺🇸 //wɪr kwɪts//
MeaningTo make a decision or feel comfortable in a place.We are even; we don’t owe each other anything.
ExampleAfter years of travel, she finally settled in France.After I helped him fix his car, we’re quits now.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Collocationssettled down, settled status, settled law, settled life, settled agreementwe're even, settle up, call it even
Antonymsunsettled, disputed, controversial-
Common mistakesConfusing with 'settle' which is a verb., Using 'settled' in present tense forms incorrectly., Misunderstanding 'settled' as always implying a positive outcome.Used in formal situations when it's too casual., Confused with 'we're finished', which may imply completion rather than balance.
Usage notesUse 'settled' in contexts related to decisions or feelings of stability. Avoid informal contexts unless used metaphorically.Used primarily in casual conversations. It may not be appropriate in formal contexts or serious situations.

See it in real clips

Settled
We're quits

Frequently asked questions: Settled vs We're quits

What's the difference between Settled and We're quits?

Settled: To make a decision or feel comfortable in a place. We're quits: We are even; we don’t owe each other anything.

Which is more formal: Settled and We're quits?

Settled is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Settled and We're quits?

Settled is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Settled: After years of travel, she finally settled in France. We're quits: After I helped him fix his car, we’re quits now.

Can I use Settled and We're quits interchangeably?

Not always. Settled and We're quits are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

Related comparisons