What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sedimented
Example
The sand and dirt sedimented at the bottom of the river. [sedimented: verb]
Example
The sedimented layers of rock revealed the history of the earth's geological changes. [sedimented: past participle]
settled
Example
After years of moving around, she finally settled in a small town. [settled: verb]
Example
The dispute between the two parties was settled out of court. [settled: adjective]
Example
Once the storm passed, the sea settled into a peaceful calm. [settled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Settled is more commonly used than sedimented in everyday language. Settled is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sedimented is less common and more technical.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sedimented and settled?
Both sedimented and settled can be used in formal or informal contexts, but sedimented is more likely to be used in technical or scientific writing, while settled is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.