C1nounformal2K

Settlement

UK /["/ˈsetlmənt/"]/US /["/ˈsetlmənt/"]/

Definition

an official agreement that ends an argument between two people or groups

In simple words: An agreement or decision reached after a dispute.

Examples

  • The two companies reached a settlement to avoid going to court.
  • After long negotiations, the settlement finally resolved the dispute.
  • The settlement of the land involved agreements with local tribes.
  • Early settlers established a new settlement near the river.
  • The company paid a large settlement after the lawsuit.
  • Settlement of the debt was accomplished through monthly payments.
  • The settlement included compensation and an apology from the defendant.

Usage notes

Used in legal contexts, often when parties resolve their issues. Not suitable for casual conversation. Prefer 'agreement' in informal discussions.

Grammar pattern

settlement + of a dispute

Memory hint

Think of 'settle' down after a dispute - a 'settlement' is the result.

Collocations

  • final
  • lasting
  • long-term
  • achieve
  • agree
  • reach
  • agreement
  • offer
  • settlement of
  • under a/​the settlement
  • settlement with
  • in settlement of
  • the terms of the settlement
  • final
  • lasting
  • long-term
  • achieve
  • agree
  • reach
  • agreement
  • offer
  • settlement of
  • under a/​the settlement
  • settlement with
  • in settlement of
  • the terms of the settlement
  • final
  • lasting
  • long-term
  • achieve
  • agree
  • reach
  • agreement
  • offer
  • settlement of
  • under a/​the settlement
  • settlement with
  • in settlement of
  • the terms of the settlement
  • final
  • lasting
  • long-term
  • achieve
  • agree
  • reach
  • agreement
  • offer
  • settlement of
  • under a/​the settlement
  • settlement with
  • in settlement of
  • the terms of the settlement
  • ancient
  • early
  • land
  • establish
  • found
  • grow up
  • patterns
  • site
  • ancient
  • early
  • land
  • establish
  • found
  • grow up
  • patterns
  • site

Synonyms

  • agreement
  • resolution
  • settling
  • arrangement
  • deal

Antonyms

  • disagreement
  • conflict
  • dispute

Common mistakes

  • Using 'settlement' as a verb.
  • Confusing 'settlement' with 'settler' (a person who settles).
  • Overusing in non-legal contexts.