Settlers: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate for general use to refer to people who move to a new area to live, typically in a historical context.

• The first settlers arrived in the valley in the late 18th century

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.

• The colonists imposed their laws on the indigenous people

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.

• The pioneers faced many hardships as they journeyed west

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.

• The homesteaders worked tirelessly to cultivate their new land

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.

• The early settlers faced many hardships when they arrived in the New World
• The Dutch settlers built many small towns in the region

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.

• The residents of the apartment building organized a block party
• Long-term residents have seen many changes in the neighborhood over the years

'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'.

• The inhabitants of the island have a rich cultural history
• Many of the city's inhabitants are concerned about climate change

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.

• The city has a large population of immigrants from Southeast Asia
• Immigration laws can be complex and difficult to navigate for new immigrants