ENGLISH
REFERENCE

settles

v.
A2 Elementary US //ˈsɛtəɫz// UK //sˈɛtəlz// set·tles

v. to reach a final decision or agreement about something. It can also mean to move into a new home or to get comfortable in a seat.

v. to resolve a dispute or reach a conclusive agreement; alternatively, to establish a permanent residence or to sink slowly to the bottom of a liquid.


SIMPLE

The dust finally settles on the old bookshelf.

CONTEXTUAL

After weeks of intense negotiation, the legal team finally settles the contract dispute out of court.

COMPLEX

As the evening mist settles over the valley, the weary travelers find a small inn where they can rest for the night.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Often used with prepositions like 'on' (to choose), 'for' (to accept less than wanted), or 'into' (to get comfortable).

Pitfall

He settles to a new house.He settles into a new house.When moving into a home or becoming comfortable, the verb requires the preposition 'into' rather than 'to'.

Idioms1 entry

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