What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
liquidate
Example
The company had to liquidate its assets to pay off its creditors. [liquidate: verb]
Example
The liquidation of the business was a difficult decision for the owners. [liquidation: noun]
settle
Example
The two parties were able to settle their differences out of court. [settle: verb]
Example
I plan to settle my credit card debt by the end of the year. [settle: verb]
Example
After years of moving around, I finally settled in a small town in the countryside. [settled: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Settle is more commonly used than liquidate in everyday language. Settle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while liquidate is less common and typically associated with financial difficulties or failure.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between liquidate and settle?
Both liquidate and settle can be used in formal contexts, such as legal or business settings. However, liquidate may be more formal due to its association with financial transactions and bankruptcy.
