settle for
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle for
Meanings
Accept less than you wanted because the better choice is unavailable
Why “for”? A person accepts something they would normally reject: a worse choice, bad behaviour, or a false story.
“Do not settle for poor service.”
“We wanted a house but settled for a flat.”
Test yourself
“Do not settle for poor service.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
fall for
Same for pattern: accepting
Believe a lie or trick and be deceived; Begin to love someone in a romantic way
stand for
Same for pattern: accepting
Represent or mean something; Accept behaviour that you dislike, usually in a negative statement
settle down
Same base verb: settle
Become quiet and stable; Begin a stable home or family life
settle in
Same base verb: settle
Become accustomed to a new place
settle on
Same base verb: settle
Reach a final decision after considering options
settle up
Same base verb: settle
Pay what is owed, often after a meal
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