Settle

Definition

The word "settle" chiefly means (1) to resolve or bring to an end a dispute or uncertainty; (2) to establish residence or cause to dwell; (3) to come to rest, sink, or reach a stable position; (4) to arrange payment of a debt or account; and (5) as a noun, a wooden bench with a high back and arms, often with storage under the seat.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛtəl/
• Respelling: SET‑əl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛt(ə)l/
• Respelling: SET‑əl

Etymology

"Settle" comes from Old English setlan “to cause to sit, place,” derived from setl “seat.” It evolved through Middle English settlen, broadening to senses of putting in order, bringing to rest, and making permanent habitation.

Derivatives

• Settlement (noun)
• Settler (noun)
• Settled (adjective / past participle)
• Settling (noun / present participle)
• Unsettled (adjective, antonymic)

Synonyms

• Resolve
• Establish
• Decide
• Stabilize
• Pay

Antonyms

• Unsettle
• Disturb
• Prolong
• Depart
• Default

Usage

"Settle" is common in legal, financial, everyday, and scientific contexts. Examples: "The parties agreed to settle out of court," "Immigrants settled along the river," "Dust will settle after a few minutes," and "Please settle the invoice by Friday."

Related Terms

• Compromise: A mutual agreement resolving a dispute.
• Colonize: To establish control and inhabit a new area.
• Stasis: A state of stability or equilibrium.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To resolve or bring to conclusion: Refers to ending an argument, lawsuit, or uncertainty through agreement or decision.
  • Example: "They finally settled the dispute after hours of negotiation."
• To establish residence; inhabit permanently: Describes taking up living quarters in a new place.
  • Example: "Pioneers settled the fertile valley in the 1800s."
• To sink, rest, or become stable: Indicates particles, liquids, or emotions coming to rest after disturbance.
  • Example: "Allow the solution to settle before decanting the clear layer."
• To pay or discharge (a debt, bill, or account): Refers to fulfilling a financial obligation.
  • Example: "The customer settled the bill in cash."
• To arrange or fix conclusively (law/property): Involves legally transferring or distributing assets.
  • Example: "The trust was settled on the children by their grandparents."
• To calm or quiet (oneself or another): Means easing agitation or turmoil.
  • Example: "She took deep breaths to settle her nerves before speaking."

Noun

• A wooden bench with a high back and arms, often with storage beneath: A traditional piece of furniture found in halls or kitchens.
  • Example: "The antique settle in the foyer dates back to the 17th century."
• The act of settling or being settled (rare): Describes the process of resolution or stabilization.
  • Example: "Complete settle of the sediment may take several hours."