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Definition settle in British English

settle verb

verb
/ˈset(ə)l/

▪ argument, conflict, differences, dispute, quarrel

1

to end an argument by making an agreement

Example

We are going to settle our differences, once and for all.

Example

Neither side shows any intention of settling at this stage.

1.1

to end a legal disagreement by the decision of a court or by making an agreement

Example

The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

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2

to pay all the money that you owe to a particular person or company

Example

He has 30 days to settle his bill.

Example

The insurance company is refusing to settle the claim.

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3

to decide something definitely

Example

It was settled that they would leave before dark.

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4

if something such as dust, sand, or snow settles, it falls downwards through the air or water until it reaches the ground or the bottom of something

Example

It took a while for the silt and mud to settle.

Example

Flakes of snow settled on the windscreen.

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5

to go and live permanently in a particular place

Example

Her relatives had come to America and settled in Boston.

5.1

to go to live in a place that does not have many people, and start to make it into a community

Example

When was this city first settled?

6

if the ground or a building settles, it gradually sinks down

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7

to make yourself or someone else comfortable and relaxed in a particular place or position

Example

She settled the little boy on the next stool to her.

Example

I settled back into a comfortable chair and waited.

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8

to become calm after being upset, nervous, or excited, or to make someone do this

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8.1

if your nerves or stomach settle or are settled, they become calm again after you have felt upset, nervous, or excited

Example

Let your stomach settle before having anything to eat.

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9

to deal with all the details of something so that no more needs to be done to it

Example

You need a lawyer to help you settle your affairs.

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10

to put something carefully in a place

Example

She settled her pack on her back, and set off.

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11

to begin to have an effect on someone or something

Example

Fear settled over her heart.

Example

a feeling of nausea settling in his stomach

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12

to stop flying and land in a particular place

Example

A large fly settled on the bread.

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13

if your eyes settle on someone or something, you begin to look at them

Example

Her eyes settled on the man in the corner.

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Definition settle in British English