noun
settlement
An agreement that resolves a dispute.
Both sides accept a settlement that ends the contract dispute.
Etymology
Settle developed the sense of bringing uncertainty or conflict to rest. A settlement is the agreement that produces that resolved condition.
More examples
- The neighbors reached a settlement over the property line.
- Under the settlement, the company must repay its customers.
- Many lawsuits end in settlements rather than trials.
Forms
settlement · settlements
settle verb — To resolve a dispute by reaching agreement.
Similar words
- agreement
- Broader term; does not necessarily resolve an existing dispute.
- compromise
- Emphasizes concessions by both sides, which settlements need not involve.