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Phrasal verbs "dwell on" vs "settle on"

Differences between dwell on and settle on

Dwell on means to think or talk about something for a long time, often in a negative way, while settle on means to make a decision or choice after considering various options.

Meanings and Definitions: dwell on vs settle on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Dwell on

  • 1Spend a lot of time on something.

    The programme DWELLED ON little other than the scandal.

Settle on

  • 1Agree.

    They couldn't agree at first on a name for their daughter, but finally SETTLED ON Alice.

Usage Examples: dwell on, settle on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

dwell on

Example

I don't want to dwell on the past.

Example

She dwells on her mistakes too much.

settle on

Example

They settled on a name for their new puppy.

Example

She settles on a restaurant for dinner after reading reviews.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Dwell on

fixate on

To focus or concentrate on something to an excessive degree, often in a negative way.

Example

She tends to fixate on her mistakes and forgets to appreciate her achievements.

harbor a grudge

To hold onto feelings of anger or resentment towards someone or something.

Example

He harbors a grudge against his former boss for firing him without a valid reason.

brood over

To think or worry about something for a long time, often in a negative or obsessive way.

Example

She brooded over the argument with her friend and couldn't sleep all night.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Settle on

decide on

To make a choice or come to a conclusion after considering various options.

Example

After much deliberation, they decided on the beach as their vacation destination.

opt for

To choose or select something from among several options.

Example

She opted for the vegetarian option at the restaurant since she doesn't eat meat.

make up one's mind

To decide or choose something after considering various options.

Example

He took some time to make up his mind about the job offer but eventually accepted it.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “dwell”

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Differences in dwell on vs settle on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: dwell on or settle on?

In daily conversation, people use settle on more often than dwell on. This is because settle on is used frequently when making decisions or choices, while dwell on is used less often and usually in negative contexts.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of dwell on and settle on

Settle on and dwell on are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, settle on can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of dwell on and settle on

The tone of dwell on is often negative or critical, while the tone of settle on is more neutral or positive.

dwell on & settle on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Dwell on

Synonyms

Settle on

Synonyms

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