decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.
she decided to sell her house
determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.
determined the cause of the problem
settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.
the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy
rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.
the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible
resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.
he resolved to quit smoking
Examples of settle in a Sentence
Verb
They were determined to settle the dispute before going home for the day.
The two sides have settled their differences.
We need to settle this question once and for all. That settles it. I can't take the day off from work, so I'm not going.
His grandparents were immigrants from Germany who settled in Pennsylvania.
He always thought he'd leave the city and settle in the country.
the people who settled the West
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Oscar Robertson, the union’s president, was lead plaintiff in the case, which was settled in 1976, establishing the earliest form of free movement for players.—Harvey Araton, New York Times, 9 June 2024 That lawsuit was settled a day after it was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024
Noun
The instant cooling effect comes from the base of the gel which has a nice settle minty scent and carries four powerful, all-natural anti-inflammatories.—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 Fact for some, mythos to others, the general concept is clear: new hair dye takes time to settles in.—Ana Morales, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for settle
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'settle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English, to seat, bring to rest, come to rest, from Old English setlan, from setl seat
Noun
Middle English, place for sitting, seat, chair, from Old English setl; akin to Old High German sezzal seat, Latin sella seat, chair, Old English sittan to sit
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