# settle

/ˈsɛtəɫ/ (US) · /sˈɛtəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/settle
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to resolve a dispute

verb · CEFR B1

to reach a decision or an agreement about an argument or problem.

For teachers: to resolve a dispute, argument, or uncertain situation through agreement or decision.

- The two neighbors finally settled their argument about the fence.
- The legal teams worked through the night to settle the litigation before the trial could proceed to a jury verdict.

### 2. to live in a new place

verb · CEFR B1

to go to live permanently in a new country or area.

For teachers: to establish a permanent residence or colony in a new location.

- Many immigrants settled in this city during the nineteenth century.
- The pioneers settled in the fertile valley, attracted by the proximity to the river and the abundance of timber.

### 3. to become calm

verb · CEFR B2

to become quiet, calm, or comfortable after being active or upset.

For teachers: to become or make something calm, stable, or orderly; to cease being agitated.

- It took a few minutes for the children to settle after the exciting game.
- The dust took hours to settle after the old building was demolished by the construction crew.

### 4. to pay a debt

verb · CEFR B2

to pay the money that you owe, such as a bill.

For teachers: to discharge a debt or financial obligation by payment.

- He settled his hotel bill before checking out early in the morning.
- The company was required to settle all outstanding accounts with its suppliers before the merger could be finalized.

### 5. to sink down

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to move slowly downward or to the bottom of a liquid.

For teachers: to sink or subside gradually to a lower level or to the bottom of a container.

- The foundations of the old house have settled into the soft ground.
- Over several decades, the heavy stone structure settled unevenly, causing visible cracks to appear in the plaster of the upper floors.

### 6. a wooden bench

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a long wooden seat with a high back and arms, often found in old houses.

For teachers: a long wooden bench with a high back and arms, typically featuring a storage chest beneath the seat.

- An old oak settle stood by the fireplace in the country inn.
- The antique settle, carved from dark mahogany, occupied a prominent position in the hallway of the manor house.

## Examples

- They finally managed to settle their argument.
- The two companies decided to settle the lawsuit out of court to avoid a long and expensive trial.
- After years of traveling across the continent, the family decided to settle in a quiet coastal town where they could finally establish roots and join the local community.

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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.