Settle Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on May 28, 2025
Settle means to resolve or reach an agreement on a dispute or to establish a permanent residence. e.g., After lengthy discussions, they finally managed to settle their differences.
Table of Contents
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Settle Definitions
To come to an agreement or solution about a disagreement.
The two parties settled the lawsuit out of court.
To move into a place and make it one's permanent residence.
The family settled in a new town.
To pay what is owed or due.
She settled her bill at the hotel.
To make a decision or come to a resolution.
They settled on a date for the wedding.
For something to gradually sink down or become lower.
The foundation of the house settled over time.
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To bring something to an end.
The author settled the story with a surprising twist.
To become calm, stable, or less agitated.
After the storm, the sea finally settled.
To put in order or make adjustments to something.
He settled his tie before the interview.
To accept a condition or agreement, sometimes reluctantly.
She settled for a lower salary than she wanted.
To make a liquid clear by allowing particles to sink.
Let the muddy water settle before drinking.
To end or resolve (a dispute, for example) by making a decision or coming to an agreement.
To resolve (a lawsuit or dispute) by mutual agreement of the parties rather than by court decision.
To make the determinations and distributions of (a trust).
To make compensation for (a claim).
To pay (a debt).
To put into order; arrange as desired
Settle one's affairs.
To place or arrange in a desired position
Settled the blanket over the baby.
Settled herself in an armchair.
To agree to or fix in advance
Settled the date of the meeting in June.
To establish as a resident or residents
Settled her family in Ohio.
To migrate to and establish residence in; colonize
Pioneers settled the West.
To establish in a residence, business, or profession
Was finally settled in his own law practice.
To restore calmness or comfort to
The hot tea settled his nerves.
To cause to sink, become compact, or come to rest
Shook the box to settle the raffle tickets.
To cause (a liquid) to become clear by forming a sediment.
To discontinue moving and come to rest in one place
The ball settled in the grass near the green.
To move downward; sink or descend, especially gradually
Darkness settled over the fields. Dust settled in the road.
To become clear by the sinking of suspended particles. Used of liquids.
To be separated from a solution or mixture as a sediment.
To become compact by sinking, as sediment when stirred up.
To establish one's residence
Settled in Canada.
To become established or localized
The cold settled in my chest.
To reach a decision; decide
We finally settled on a solution to the problem.
To come to an agreement, especially to resolve a lawsuit out of court.
To provide compensation for a claim.
To pay a debt.
A long wooden bench with a high back, often including storage space beneath the seat.
To conclude or resolve (something):
(transitive) To determine (something which was exposed to doubt or question); to resolve conclusively; to set or fix (a time, an order of succession, etc).
His fears were settled
She hopes to settle and questions about the plans.
The question of the succession to a throne needs to be settled.
(transitive) To conclude, to cause (a dispute) to finish.
To settle a quarrel
(transitive) To close, liquidate or balance (an account) by payment, sometimes of less than is owed or due.
To pay (a bill).
To settle a bill
(intransitive) To adjust differences or accounts; to come to an agreement on matters in dispute.
He has settled with his creditors.
(intransitive) To conclude a lawsuit by agreement of the parties rather than a decision of a court.
(transitive) To place or arrange in(to) a desired (especially: calm) state, or make final disposition of (something).
To settle my affairs
To settle her estate
(transitive) To put into (proper) place; to make sit or lie properly.
(transitive) To cause to no longer be in a disturbed, confused or stormy; to quiet; to calm (nerves, waters, a boisterous or rebellious child, etc).
To silence, especially by force.
(transitive) To bring or restore (ground, roads, etc) to a smooth, dry, or passable condition.
Clear weather settles the roads
(intransitive) To become calm, quiet, or orderly; to stop being agitated.
The weather settled.
Wait until the crowd settles before speaking.
(intransitive) To become firm, dry, and hard, like the ground after the effects of rain or frost have disappeared.
The roads settled late in the spring.
To establish or become established in a steady position:
(transitive) To place in(to) a fixed or permanent condition or position or on(to) a permanent basis; to make firm, steady, or stable; to establish or fix.
(transitive) In particular, to establish in life; to fix in business, in a home, etc.
To formally, legally secure (an annuity, property, title, etc) on (a person).
(intransitive) To become married, or a householder.
To be established in a profession or in employment.
To become stationary or fixed; to come to rest.
They settled down at an inn.
The hawk settled on a branch.
(intransitive) To fix one's residence in a place; to establish a dwelling place, home, or colony. settle down.}}
The Saxons who settled in Britain
To colonize (an area); to migrate to (a land, territory, site, etc).
The French first settled Canada
The Puritans settled New England
Plymouth was settled in 1620.
(transitive) To move (people) to (a land or territory), so as to colonize it; to cause (people) to take residence in (a place).
To sink, or cause (something, or impurities within it) to sink down, especially so as to become clear or compact.
(transitive) To clear or purify (a liquid) of dregs and impurities by causing them to sink.
To settle coffee, or the grounds of coffee
(transitive) To cause to sink down or to be deposited (dregs, sediment, etc).
To settle the sediment out of the water
(transitive) To render compact or solid; to cause to become packed down.
To settle the chips in the potato chip bag by shaking it
(intransitive) To sink to the bottom of a body of liquid, as dregs of a liquid, or the sediment of a reservoir.
(intransitive) To sink gradually to a lower level; to subside, for example the foundation of a house, etc.
(intransitive) To become compact due to sinking.
The chips in the bag of potato chips settled during shipping.
(intransitive) To become clear due to the sinking of sediment. Used especially of liquid. also used figuratively.
Wine settles by standing
To make a jointure for a spouse.
(ambitransitive) Of an animal: to make or become pregnant.
(archaic) A seat of any kind.
A long bench with a high back and arms, often with chest or storage space underneath.
(obsolete) A place made lower than the rest; a wide step or platform lower than some other part. Compare a depression.
A seat of any kind.
A bench; especially, a bench with a high back.
A place made lower than the rest; a wide step or platform lower than some other part.
And from the bottom upon the ground, even to the lower settle, shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit.
To place in a fixed or permanent condition; to make firm, steady, or stable; to establish; to fix; esp., to establish in life; to fix in business, in a home, or the like.
And he settled his countenance steadfastly upon him, until he was ashamed.
The father thought the time drew onOf setting in the world his only son.
To establish in the pastoral office; to ordain or install as pastor or rector of a church, society, or parish; as, to settle a minister.
To cause to be no longer in a disturbed condition; to render quiet; to still; to calm; to compose.
God settled then the huge whale-bearing lake.
Hoping that sleep might settle his brains.
To clear of dregs and impurities by causing them to sink; to render pure or clear; - said of a liquid; as, to settle coffee, or the grounds of coffee.
To restore or bring to a smooth, dry, or passable condition; - said of the ground, of roads, and the like; as, clear weather settles the roads.
To cause to sink; to lower; to depress; hence, also, to render close or compact; as, to settle the contents of a barrel or bag by shaking it.
To determine, as something which is exposed to doubt or question; to free from unscertainty or wavering; to make sure, firm, or constant; to establish; to compose; to quiet; as, to settle the mind when agitated; to settle questions of law; to settle the succession to a throne; to settle an allowance.
It will settle the wavering, and confirm the doubtful.
To adjust, as something in discussion; to make up; to compose; to pacify; as, to settle a quarrel.
To adjust, as accounts; to liquidate; to balance; as, to settle an account.
Hence, to pay; as, to settle a bill.
To plant with inhabitants; to colonize; to people; as, the French first settled Canada; the Puritans settled New England; Plymouth was settled in 1620.
To become fixed or permanent; to become stationary; to establish one's self or itself; to assume a lasting form, condition, direction, or the like, in place of a temporary or changing state.
The wind came about and settled in the west.
Chyle . . . runs through all the intermediate colors until it settles in an intense red.
To fix one's residence; to establish a dwelling place or home; as, the Saxons who settled in Britain.
To enter into the married state, or the state of a householder.
As people marry now and settle.
To be established in an employment or profession; as, to settle in the practice of law.
To become firm, dry, and hard, as the ground after the effects of rain or frost have disappeared; as, the roads settled late in the spring.
To become clear after being turbid or obscure; to clarify by depositing matter held in suspension; as, the weather settled; wine settles by standing.
A government, on such occasions, is always thick before it settles.
To sink to the bottom; to fall to the bottom, as dregs of a liquid, or the sediment of a reserveir.
To sink gradually to a lower level; to subside, as the foundation of a house, etc.
To become calm; to cease from agitation.
Till the fury of his highness settle,Come not before him.
To adjust differences or accounts; to come to an agreement; as, he has settled with his creditors.
To make a jointure for a wife.
He sighs with most success that settles well.
A long wooden bench with a back
Settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground;
Dust settled on the roofs
Bring to an end; settle conclusively;
The case was decided
The judge decided the case in favor of the plaintiff
The father adjudicated when the sons were quarreling over their inheritance
Settle conclusively; come to terms;
We finally settled the argument
Take up residence and become established;
The immigrants settled in the Midwest
Come to terms;
After some discussion we finally made up
Go under,
The raft sank and its occupants drowned
Become settled or established and stable in one's residence or life style;
He finally settled down
Become resolved, fixed, established, or quiet;
The roar settled to a thunder
The wind settled in the West
It is settling to rain
A cough settled in her chest
Her mood settled into lethargy
Establish or develop as a residence;
He settled the farm 200 years ago
This land was settled by Germans
Come to rest
Become clear by the sinking of particles;
The liquid gradually settled
Arrange or fix in the desired order;
She settled the teacart
Accept despite complete satisfaction;
We settled for a lower price
End a legal dispute by arriving at a settlement;
The two parties finally settled
Dispose of; make a financial settlement
Cause to become clear by forming a sediment (of liquids)
Sink down or precipitate;
The mud subsides when the waters become calm
Fix firmly;
He ensconced himself in the chair
Get one's revenge for a wrong or an injury;
I finally settled with my old enemy
Make final; put the last touches on; put into final form;
Let's finalize the proposal
Form a community;
The Swedes settled in Minnesota
Come as if by falling;
Night fell
Silence fell
Settle Snonyms
Finalize
To complete the last parts of a plan or agreement.
They finalized the details of the contract.
Conclude
To bring something to an end, often formally.
The meeting was concluded with a vote.
Establish
To set up or lay the foundations for something.
They established a new community in the wilderness.
Reconcile
To restore friendly relations between parties.
The siblings reconciled after years of disagreement.
Stabilize
To make or become stable or less likely to change.
The government took measures to stabilize the economy.
Decide
To come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration.
After much thought, he decided on his future career.
Resolve
To find a solution to a problem or dispute.
The mediator helped to resolve the conflict.
Arrange
To organize or make plans for something.
She arranged the books on the shelf neatly.
Adjust
To alter or move something slightly in order to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result.
He adjusted the settings on the camera.
Clarify
To make a statement or situation less confused and more comprehensible.
The spokesperson clarified the company's position.
Settle Idioms & Phrases
Settle scores
To take revenge or retaliate.
He was determined to settle scores with his rival.
Settle down
To adopt a more stable or conventional lifestyle.
After years of traveling, he decided to settle down.
Settle for less
To accept something less satisfactory because there's no alternative.
She didn't get her dream job, so she had to settle for less.
Settle in
To become accustomed to a new living arrangement or environment.
It took her a few months to settle in at the new job.
Settle the score
Similar to "settle scores," seeking retribution.
The final match was his chance to settle the score.
Settle up
To pay what is owed.
Let's settle up the bill before we leave the restaurant.
Settle the dust
To wait for a situation to become clear or calm.
Let's wait to make a decision until the dust settles.
Settle out of court
To resolve a legal dispute without going to trial.
They decided to settle out of court to avoid the costs of litigation.
Settle into a rhythm
To find a consistent and comfortable pace or routine.
After the initial chaos, the team settled into a rhythm.
Settle one's affairs
To organize one's financial and personal matters.
He took time off to settle his affairs.
Settle into
To begin to feel comfortable in a new situation.
She quickly settled into her role as manager.
Settle one's stomach
To ease stomach discomfort or indigestion.
A cup of ginger tea can settle your stomach.
Settle one's nerves
To calm oneself down.
Deep breaths helped to settle his nerves before the speech.
Settle a bet
To resolve a wager or dispute by providing the correct answer or outcome.
Checking the facts helped them settle a bet.
Settle Example Sentences
After traveling for years, he decided to settle in a small coastal town.
It's time to settle the bill and leave.
The lawyer advised them to settle the dispute out of court.
She took deep breaths to settle her nerves before the performance.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called "settle"?
"Settle" comes from the Old English "setlan," meaning "to seat, put in place," and is related to the word "setl," which means "seat." The term evolved to mean resolving disputes or establishing a residence.
How many syllables are in "settle"?
"Settle" has two syllables.
How is "settle" used in a sentence?
"Settle" can describe resolving a dispute, paying a debt, or making a place one's home, e.g., They agreed to settle the argument and move forward.
What is the pronunciation of "settle"?
"Settle" is pronounced as /ˈsɛt.l/.
How do we divide "settle" into syllables?
"Settle" is divided into syllables as "set-tle."
What is a stressed syllable in "settle"?
The stressed syllable in "settle" is the first one: "set-."
What is the root word of "settle"?
The root word of "settle" is the Old English "setlan," which is derived from "setl," meaning "seat."
What is the second form of "settle"?
The second form of "settle" is "settled," which is the simple past tense of the verb.
What is the first form of "settle"?
The first form of "settle" is "settle," which is the base form or the infinitive form of the verb.
What part of speech is "settle"?
"Settle" is a verb.
What is the verb form of "settle"?
"Settle" itself is a verb. Its forms include "settles" (present), "settled" (past), and "settling" (present participle).
What is the singular form of "settle"?
The singular form is "settle." As a verb, it does not change form based on number.
What is the plural form of "settle"?
"Settle" does not have a plural form as it is a verb; its use does not change with the number of subjects or objects.
What is the opposite of "settle"?
The opposite of "settle" might be "dispute" when referring to resolving disagreements, or "depart" when referring to establishing a residence.
Is "settle" an adverb?
No, "settle" is not an adverb; it is a verb.
Is "settle" a negative or positive word?
"Settle" can be neutral, positive, or negative depending on the context. Resolving a dispute can be positive, while settling for less can have a negative connotation.
Is the "settle" term a metaphor?
"Settle" can be used metaphorically, especially when referring to calming one's emotions or thoughts, e.g., "settling one's mind."
Is the word "settle" imperative?
"Settle" can be used in the imperative form, as in giving a command or instruction, e.g., "Settle your differences."
What is the third form of "settle"?
The third form of "settle" is also "settled," used as the past participle in perfect tenses.
Is "settle" a countable noun?
"Settle" is not a noun; it is a verb, so the concept of being countable or uncountable does not apply.
Is "settle" a collective noun?
No, "settle" is a verb and not a noun, so it cannot be a collective noun.
What is another term for "settle"?
Another term for "settle" could be "resolve" or "reconcile" when referring to disputes, or "establish" when referring to making a home.
Is "settle" a vowel or consonant?
The word "settle" starts with a consonant 's'.
Which conjunction is used with "settle"?
Conjunctions like "and," "but," and "or" can be used with "settle," depending on the sentence structure, e.g., "settle and move on," "settle but remain cautious," "settle or continue the dispute."
Which article is used with "settle"?
Articles are not typically used directly with "settle" since it is a verb. However, articles can be used with the objects of "settle," e.g., "settle a dispute," "settle the matter."
Is "settle" an abstract noun?
"Settle" is not a noun; it is a verb. The related noun form "settlement" can be both concrete (as in a place where people live) and abstract (as in the resolution of a dispute).
Is the word "settle" a Gerund?
"Settling" is the gerund form of "settle."
Which vowel is used before "settle"?
The use of vowels before "settle" depends on the context; there is no specific rule.
Which preposition is used with "settle"?
Common prepositions used with "settle" include "on," "into," "for," and "in," depending on the context, e.g., "settle on a plan," "settle into a new home," "settle for less," "settle in a new country."
Is "settle" a noun or adjective?
"Settle" is a verb, not a noun or adjective.
Is the word “settle” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Settle" is a verb, and it can have a direct object in sentences, e.g., "They need to settle the dispute."
Which determiner is used with "settle"?
Determiners are not typically used directly with "settle" since it is a verb. However, determiners can be used with the objects of "settle," e.g., "settle the bill," "settle a disagreement."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
