Settled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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settled

[ˈsɛtld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a stable state

Fixed in a position or location. Established in a particular place or condition. Not likely to change or move.

Synonyms

established, fixed, stable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
settled

Used when something has been resolved or someone has found a permanent place to live.

  • After a long journey, they finally settled in their new home
  • The argument was settled amicably
fixed

Used to indicate something that is securely positioned or determined and not changing.

  • The price of the ticket is fixed and cannot be negotiated
  • The table is fixed to the ground
established

Used to denote something that has been in place for a long time or is widely recognized and accepted.

  • The company is well-established, having been in business for over 50 years
  • It is an established fact that exercise is good for health
stable

Used to describe something that is steady, not likely to change, or secure.

  • The economy is currently stable despite global uncertainties
  • She offers him a stable home environment

Examples of usage

  • After years of traveling, she finally felt settled in her new home.
  • The dust settled on the ground, creating a thick layer.
  • The settled rocks formed a sturdy foundation for the building.
Context #2 | Verb

resolved or decided

To resolve or reach a decision about something. To come to rest in a particular place or position. To establish a residence or community.

Synonyms

decide, establish, resolve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
settled

Use 'settled' when referring to something that has been resolved or when someone has established themselves in a place or position.

  • After years of traveling, they finally settled in a small town.
  • The dispute was settled out of court.
resolve

Use 'resolve' when referring to finding a solution to a problem or making a firm decision.

  • They tried to resolve their differences through mediation.
  • She resolved to study harder this semester.
decide

Use 'decide' when someone is making a choice or coming to a conclusion about something.

  • She had to decide what to wear to the party.
  • They decided to take the train instead of driving.
establish

Use 'establish' when talking about setting up something firmly or opening a business or organization.

  • He helped to establish the company's new headquarters.
  • The committee aims to establish new guidelines for the project.

Examples of usage

  • They settled their differences and moved on.
  • The snow settled on the branches of the trees.
  • The pioneers settled in the new land and built a village.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling settled is linked to emotional well-being, as it often signifies a reduction in anxiety or stress.
  • People often seek settled situations in their lives, like stable jobs or relationships, to create a sense of security.

History

  • The term is often used to describe early human societies that moved from nomadic to sedentary lifestyles, forming stable communities.
  • Settled regions in ancient civilizations facilitated trade, growth, and advances in culture and technology.

Literature

  • In many novels, characters often embark on journeys to achieve a settled life, representing a universal quest for stability.
  • The concept of being settled brings themes of belonging and home, seen in various literary works and poetry.

Pop Culture

  • TV shows and movies frequently highlight characters' struggles to find a settled life versus their adventurous escapades.
  • Songs often explore themes of settling down, reflecting on love and commitment in relationships.

Origin of 'settled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'setlan', meaning to cause to sit or to make stable.
  • Originally, it described a physical action of putting something down or making a place stable.

The word 'settled' has its origins in the Middle English word 'setten,' which means 'to place, put, set.' Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of being fixed or established. The concept of settling down has been associated with stability and permanence in various contexts, from settling in a new home to settling a dispute. The word reflects a sense of resolution and establishment, capturing the essence of being in a stable state.


See also: resettle, resettlement, settlement, settler, settlers, unsettle, unsettled, unsettling.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,797, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.