Settle for Meaning in English
expression
ˈsɛtəɫ/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ
SET-uhl for
sˈɛtəl/ /fˈɔː
SET-uhl faw
Definition
To accept something that is not exactly what you want because you cannot get something better.
Usage & Nuances
'Settle for' is informal and often suggests disappointment or compromise. Common with 'just' or 'only': 'I won't just settle for anything.' Do not confuse with 'settle down' (start a stable life).
Spanish: conformarse conPortuguese (BR): se contentar com - aceitarPortuguese (PT): contentar-se com - aceitarChinese (Simplified): 满足于 - 将就于Chinese (Traditional): 滿足於 - 將就於Hindi: से समझौता करनाArabic: يكتفي بـ - يرضى بـBengali: মেনে নেওয়া - খুশি থাকা (কম ভালো কিছুর সাথে)Russian: довольствоватьсяJapanese: 妥協する - 我慢するVietnamese: chấp nhậnKorean: 만족하다 - 감수하다Turkish: yetinmek - razı olmakUrdu: پر اکتفا کرناIndonesian: menyerah pada - puas dengan
Example Sentences
I will not settle for less than I deserve.
basic
Sometimes you have to settle for what you can afford.
basic
He didn’t want to settle for second place.
basic
Why should I settle for good when I can aim for great?
natural
We had no choice but to settle for takeout after the restaurant closed early.
natural
She refuses to settle for a job she doesn't love.
natural