Settlement: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a small community in a new or remote area, often implying initial stages of habitation.

• The explorers established a settlement along the river.
• The archaeological dig uncovered evidence of an ancient settlement.

Describes a small group of houses and buildings, usually located in rural areas and smaller than a town.

• They moved to a peaceful village in the countryside.
• The village church is over 200 years old.

Refers to a populated area that is larger than a village but smaller than a city, often with more amenities than a village.

• The town hosted their annual summer fair.
• She grew up in a small town not far from the coast.

Emphasizes a group of people living together and sharing resources or interests, often used in a broader context including larger areas.

• The community organized a clean-up day in the park.
• She always felt supported by her local community.

This word is used when referring to the conclusion of a dispute or the mutual decision reached by all parties involved, often involving legal or financial matters.

• The two companies finally reached a settlement after months of negotiations.
• The divorce settlement ensured both parties received equal shares of their assets.

This term is employed when two or more parties consent to a mutual understanding, which can be formal or informal, and is broader in scope than a legal settlement.

• They came to an agreement regarding the new business partnership.
• The landlord and tenant reached an agreement on the terms of the lease.

Use this word when describing a situation where each party involved makes concessions to reach a mutual decision. Often implies that not all aspects are fully satisfactory to either side.

• After a long discussion, they found a compromise that worked for everyone.
• A compromise was necessary to avoid a long, drawn-out dispute.

This term is suitable when referring to the end result of solving a problem or dispute, often suggesting a more formal and final outcome than compromise.

• They were relieved to achieve a resolution to the issue that had been troubling them for weeks.
• The resolution of the conflict was a major turning point for the community.