Looking up...
settlement
/ˈsɛtəlmənt/
a place where people live or a resolution of a dispute
The settlers established a new settlement in the wilderness.
People moved to an area and built homes, creating a community.
general
a place where people live, especially one that is smaller than a town or city
The ancient settlement was discovered by archaeologists.
A historical community was found by researchers.
Often refers to early or historical communities.
Law
legal
an agreement to end a legal dispute, often involving payment or other concessions
The parties reached a settlement in the lawsuit.
They agreed to resolve the legal case without going to trial.
Common in legal and financial contexts.
general
the act of settling or establishing oneself in a place
The family's settlement in the new country was difficult at first.
Moving and adapting to a new country was challenging for them.
Refers to the process of moving and establishing a home.
Collocations
settlement agreementa legal agreement to resolve a disputesettlement housea community center providing social servicessettlement patternthe way people distribute themselves in an area
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal vs. General Use
In legal contexts, 'settlement' often involves money or concessions to resolve a dispute.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'settlement' depends heavily on the context—legal, historical, or general.
Word Origin
From Old French 'assettement' (arrangement), from 'asseter' (to settle), from Latin 'assidere' (to sit beside).
Usage Notes
In legal contexts, 'settlement' often refers to financial compensation. In historical contexts, it refers to communities.
Word Breakdown
settle
to establish or resolve
root-ment
the act or result of
suffixEnglish Dictionary