# settle into

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to start feeling comfortable and relaxed in a new place or situation.

For teachers: to become accustomed to a new environment, routine, or role. This phrasal verb is transitive and implies a gradual process of psychological or social adaptation.

## Examples

- It took me a few weeks to settle into my new apartment.
- After the initial stress of the move, the family finally began to settle into their new life in the suburbs.
- The newly appointed CEO took several months to fully settle into the corporate culture before implementing any radical structural changes.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I need time to settle in my new job." but "I need time to settle into my new job." — the preposition 'into' is required when followed by an object; 'settle in' is used without an object.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun representing a place, a job, or a routine.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'move into' (the physical act) versus 'settle into' (the emotional or psychological adjustment).

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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.