B2verb1K

Settle

UK /["/ˈsetl/","/ˈsetlz/","/ˈsetld/","/ˈsetlɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈsetl/","/ˈsetlz/","/ˈsetld/","/ˈsetlɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to put an end to an argument or a disagreement

In simple words: To make a decision or to end a disagreement.

Examples

  • After a long day at work, I just want to settle on the couch and relax.
  • The committee will meet to settle the disagreements that arose during the last meeting.
  • They decided to settle in a small village by the river.
  • After years of wandering, he finally felt ready to settle down and start a family.
  • The dust began to settle after the explosion, revealing the damaged buildings.
  • It took some time for the arguments to settle among the team members.
  • Please settle your differences before it escalates into a bigger issue.
  • We need to settle her bill before the end of the month.

Usage notes

Use 'settle' when talking about resolving issues or moving to a place. It's appropriate in both casual and professional contexts. Avoid it in highly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

settle + object

Memory hint

Think of 'set the table' to settle in for a meal.

Collocations

  • amicably
  • peacefully
  • eventually
  • attempt to
  • try to
  • agree to
  • for
  • on
  • with
  • an attempt to settle something
  • permanently
  • eventually
  • finally
  • decide to
  • intend to
  • be densely settled
  • be sparsely settled
  • be ready to settle down
  • permanently
  • eventually
  • finally
  • decide to
  • intend to
  • be densely settled
  • be sparsely settled
  • be ready to settle down
  • comfortably
  • happily
  • peacefully
  • be unable to
  • cannot
  • allow somebody to
  • settle down to do something
  • comfortably
  • happily
  • peacefully
  • be unable to
  • cannot
  • allow somebody to
  • settle down to do something

Synonyms

  • resolve
  • arrange
  • conclude
  • decide
  • fix

Antonyms

  • disagree
  • disrupt
  • unsettle

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'settle' with 'settle down' which means to start a family.
  • Using 'settle' without an object when it needs one.
  • Confusing the past tense forms 'settled' and 'setled'.