# settle in

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/settle-in
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to become comfortable and feel at home in a new place or situation. You use this when you move to a new house or start a new job.

For teachers: to become established or comfortable in a new environment, such as a residence or workplace. The verb is typically intransitive in this sense, though it may be followed by a prepositional phrase.

## Examples

- I need a few days to settle in before I start my new job.
- Once the students settle in and find their seats, we will begin the first lesson of the semester.
- The diplomat found it difficult to settle in, as the local customs and political climate were vastly different from those of his previous posting.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am settling down in my new office." but "I am settling in to my new office." — 'Settle down' refers to a long-term lifestyle change like getting married, while 'settle in' refers to the process of getting used to a new environment.

## Usage notes

- This phrase is often followed by the preposition 'to' when mentioning a specific place.
- Teaching tip: Contrast this with 'settle down' to help students distinguish between getting comfortable in a new place and starting a stable, permanent life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.