Settlers Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ก
settlers
[หsษtlษrz ]
Definitions
early American history
People who move into and live in a new country or area, often creating a permanent community. Settlers typically establish farms, towns, or villages.
Synonyms
colonists, homesteaders, pioneers.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| settlers |
Appropriate for general use to refer to people who move to a new area to live, typically in a historical context.
|
| colonists |
Best used when referring to people who establish a colony, often implying governance from a distant country. It can have a negative connotation due to historical associations with oppression and exploitation.
|
| pioneers |
Refers to early settlers in a new area, especially those who are among the first to explore or settle a new region. It also suggests innovation and bravery.
|
| homesteaders |
Used to specifically describe people who received free land from the government under the Homestead Act or similar laws, often in the context of the American frontier.
|
Examples of usage
- The settlers crossed the ocean in search of a better life.
- The settlers built their homes on the vast prairies of the Midwest.
modern context
Individuals who establish residence in a new region or community, often with the intention of building a new life or pursuing opportunities.
Synonyms
immigrants, inhabitants, residents.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| settlers |
Use 'settlers' when referring to people who move to a non-populated or less populated area to start a new community. This often has historical connotations and can imply the establishment of new settlements, often with pioneering efforts.
|
| residents |
Use 'residents' when talking about people who live in a specific location, particularly within a neighborhood, building, or city. It often implies a stable or long-term living situation.
|
| inhabitants |
'Inhabitants' generally describes the people who live in a particular place, such as a city, town, or country, without necessarily implying that they moved there from somewhere else. It is a more neutral term in comparison to 'settlers' or 'immigrants'.
|
| immigrants |
The term 'immigrants' is used for people who move from one country to another with the intention of living there permanently. This word is commonly used in discussions about migration and often relates to policy, cultural integration, and legal status.
|
Examples of usage
- The new settlers in the neighborhood brought diversity to the community.
- The company offered incentives to attract settlers to the rural area.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term has roots in the Old French word 'sรฉtel', which means to establish a residence.
- Many settlers in North America were motivated by the promise of land and opportunity during the 17th and 18th centuries.
- The concept of settling lands is deeply tied to the exploration and colonization movements throughout history.
Cultural Impact
- Settlers often brought their customs, traditions, and languages, significantly affecting the cultures of indigenous peoples.
- The legacy of settlers is complex, as it involves both the establishment of new communities and the displacement of existing populations.
- Festivals and practices reflecting settlers' backgrounds can still be seen in modern celebrations, showcasing cultural fusion.
Literature
- Settlers have been a popular theme in American literature, symbolizing hope, adventure, and challenges in works like 'Little House on the Prairie'.
- Classic novels often portray settlers' struggles and successes, serving as a narrative for the American identity evolution.
- Contemporary literature frequently revisits the stories of settlers with a critical lens to address historical injustices.
Politics
- Policies regarding land appropriation and settlement have shaped the relationships between governments and indigenous communities.
- Settler colonialism is a term used to describe a form of colonialism that seeks to replace indigenous populations with settlers.
- Debates about land use and ownership in many countries still echo the historical decisions made by early settlers.
Science and Technology
- Settlers often adapted agricultural and survival techniques suited to their new environments, influencing farming methods.
- Advancements in tools and technology were introduced by settlers, transforming local economies and ecosystems.
- Modern scientific studies sometimes focus on the environmental impacts of early settlements and their adaptations.
Origin of 'settlers'
The term 'settlers' originated from the verb 'settle', which comes from Old English 'setlan' meaning 'to place, set, fix'. The concept of settlers has been integral to the history of human migration, colonization, and the establishment of new communities. Settlers played a significant role in shaping the social, cultural, and economic landscape of various regions around the world.
See also: resettle, resettlement, settled, settlement, settler, unsettle, unsettled, unsettling.