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Settlement: meaning, definitions and examples

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settlement

 

[ ˈsɛtlmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

residential area

A settlement is a place where people live, especially one where people have come to live and have built homes. It can refer to a small village, town, or community.

Synonyms

community, town, village

Examples of usage

  • The small settlement nestled in the valley was home to about 200 residents.
  • The early settlers established the first permanent settlement in the region.
Context #2 | Noun

legal agreement

In a legal context, a settlement refers to an agreement reached between two parties to resolve a dispute or claim without going to trial. It often involves a compromise by both parties.

Synonyms

agreement, compromise, resolution

Examples of usage

  • The two companies reached a settlement after months of negotiations.
  • The settlement included a financial compensation and an apology.

Translations

Translations of the word "settlement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assentamento

🇮🇳 बस्ती

🇩🇪 Siedlung

🇮🇩 pemukiman

🇺🇦 поселення

🇵🇱 osada

🇯🇵 入植地

🇫🇷 colonisation

🇪🇸 asentamiento

🇹🇷 yerleşim

🇰🇷 정착지

🇸🇦 مستوطنة

🇨🇿 osada

🇸🇰 osídlenie

🇨🇳 定居点

🇸🇮 naselje

🇮🇸 byggð

🇰🇿 қоныс

🇬🇪 დასახლება

🇦🇿 məskunlaşma

🇲🇽 asentamiento

Etymology

The word 'settlement' has its roots in the Old English word 'setl', which meant a place where people lived or made a home. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings, including a residential area and a legal agreement. Settlements have played a significant role in human history, from the early settlements of hunter-gatherer societies to modern urban settlements. The concept of settlement reflects the fundamental human need for shelter, community, and resolution of conflicts.

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

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,620, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.