Word
settling
Phoneticsset·tling
US/ˈsɛtəɫɪŋ/
UK/sˈɛtlɪŋ/
Definitions
01sinking of a building
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Technical
n. the slow sinking of a building or the ground into the earth over time.
n. the gradual downward movement or subsidence of a structure or the soil beneath it.
“The small cracks in the wall were just caused by the house settling over many years.”
“Structural engineers determined that the hairline fractures in the foundation were the result of natural settling rather than a significant architectural flaw.”
Usage
Often used in the context of architecture or geology.
Synonyms
02making a new home
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of moving to a new place and starting a life there.
n. the process of establishing a permanent residence or colony in a new region.
“The settling of the wild coast took many decades and was very difficult.”
“Historians have extensively documented the settling of the valley, focusing on how the early inhabitants adapted to the harsh winter climate.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03finishing an agreement
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Formal
n. the final step of finishing a business deal or paying what you owe.
n. the finalization of a legal agreement, financial account, or the payment of debts.
“The settling of his father's debts took several months after the funeral.”
“The final settling of the estate was delayed by a series of complex legal challenges from distant relatives.”
Usage
Commonly used in legal and financial contexts regarding estates or debts.
Synonyms
04sediment
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. small pieces of solid material that sink to the bottom of a liquid.
n. the accumulation of dregs or solid matter at the bottom of a liquid container.
Español:sedimento
“Wait for the settling of the particles before you pour the water into the glass.”
“The laboratory technician monitored the settling of the suspension to ensure the clear liquid could be siphoned off without contamination.”
Real-World Examples
“The Sussexes' left the UK and stepped back from their royal duties in early 2020, before settling in California in March that year.” “Golden hour is settling over Tamarama, the sun sliding low on to the hill behind the beach.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/settling
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0