Settle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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settle
[ˈsɛt(ə)l ]
Definitions
in a dispute
To settle means to reach an agreement or resolution in a dispute or conflict. It involves coming to a mutual understanding or compromise to end the disagreement.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| settle |
Typically used when resolving disputes or making a place to live. It implies coming to an agreement or calm state after a disagreement or situation.
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| resolve |
Commonly used to solve problems, conflicts, or disputes. It implies finding a solution to a serious or complex issue.
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| conclude |
Used when finishing something, often with a summary or decision. Suitable for wrapping up meetings, research, discussions.
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| decide |
Appropriate for making a choice or determination among options. It focuses on the act of choosing.
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Examples of usage
- The two parties finally settled their dispute out of court.
- Let's settle this argument once and for all.
to establish a residence
To settle can also mean to establish a residence or make a home in a particular place. It involves making a permanent or long-term commitment to live in a specific location.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| settle |
Typically used when talking about establishing a permanent residence in a new place or resolving a situation or dispute.
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| reside |
Used in more formal contexts, often in legal or official documents, to describe where someone lives.
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| dwell |
Often used in a somewhat formal or poetic context when talking about living in a place, frequently with a focus on the act of living rather than the place itself. Can also mean to linger on a subject, often in a negative sense.
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| live |
Commonly used in everyday conversation to describe the act of residing in a place or leading a certain lifestyle.
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Examples of usage
- After years of traveling, she decided to settle down in the countryside.
- They plan to settle in the city and start a new life.
a small village
A settle can refer to a small village or community, especially in rural areas. It usually implies a close-knit group of people living together.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| settle |
Use 'settle' when referring to making a place your permanent home or resolving a dispute. It can also refer to a small, often rural community.
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| village |
Use 'village' to describe a small community or group of houses in a rural area, typically larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town. It often includes amenities like a church and shops.
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| hamlet |
Use 'hamlet' when referring to a very small settlement, typically smaller than a village and usually without its own church or local government.
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| community |
Use 'community' when talking about a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. It's often used to highlight the social aspect and shared interests of the group.
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Examples of usage
- The tiny settle was nestled in the mountains, far from the bustling city.
- The settlers relied on each other for support in the small settle.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- Ancient farmers settled down into permanent homes, leading to the rise of early civilizations.
- The westward expansion of the United States in the 1800s saw many people settle in new territories, reshaping the nation's geography.
- Settlements often created conflicts over land use, showcasing struggles between indigenous peoples and newcomers.
Psychology
- Settling can refer to a mental state when individuals accept situations or environments, even if they are not ideal.
- People often struggle with the decision to settle in relationships, weighing stability against the desire for adventure.
- The concept of 'settling down' is associated with emotional maturity and a desire for stability.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict characters settling in a new town, showcasing their adventures and challenges.
- The phrase 'settling for less' appears commonly in songs and literature, highlighting the tension between ambition and contentment.
- Television series frequently explore the theme of characters finding new homes and communities, representing personal growth.
Education
- In social studies, children learn about how ancient cultures transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities.
- Educational methods encourage students to settle into their learning environments for better focus and productivity.
- Conflict resolution in classrooms often involves encouraging students to 'settle' disagreements amicably.
Origin of 'settle'
Main points about word origin
- The word originated from the Old English 'setlan,' meaning to place or cause to sit.
- Over time, it evolved in meaning, from simply sitting down to establishing a home or base.
- In many Germanic languages, similar words share the root, reflecting the concept of placing or standing.
The word 'settle' originates from the Old English word 'setlan', which means 'to place or arrange'. Over time, it evolved to encompass various meanings related to resolving disputes, establishing homes, and forming communities. The concept of settling has been fundamental in human history, from early settlements of nomadic tribes to modern-day negotiations and agreements.