Meaning
“Settle for” means to accept something that is not exactly what you wanted, usually because it is the best available option or you cannot get something better. It often carries a sense of compromise or dissatisfaction.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Phrasal verb
- Pattern: settle for + noun/pronoun
- Used when someone chooses or accepts something less desirable.
- It implies that the speaker wanted something better or different, but had to compromise.
Example structures:
- subject + settle for + object
- I can’t settle for less than perfection.
Common Phrases
- settle for less
- settle for second best
- settle for good enough
Collocations
- Verb + settle for: can’t settle for, forced to settle for, willing to settle for
- Settle for + noun: less, second place, compromise, cheaper option
Examples
- She wanted a bigger apartment but had to settle for a small one.
- I refuse to settle for less than I deserve.
- We couldn’t get tickets in the front row, so we settled for seats in the back.
- He wanted to become a doctor but settled for being a nurse.
- Don’t just settle for “good enough”; aim higher.
- They had to settle for a used car because a new one was too expensive.
- She was hungry and settled for instant noodles instead of cooking dinner.
- Many people settle for jobs they don’t enjoy just to pay the bills.
Synonyms or Related
- accept
- compromise
- make do with
- put up with
Antonym
- aim for
- strive for
- insist on
- go after