To settle into a seat v. to sit into a seat

Question

I would like to about the phrase the verb "settle" and its phrase "to settle into a seat" and the difference between "to settle into a seat" and "to sit into a seat" via this example.

"She settled into it with a sigh not unlike that of the bus and said ..." It refers to an "empty seat"

Source: Why Time Flies [Article of Reader's Digest]

Thank you.

Hhtt · Accepted Answer

I cannot find edit button so editing is here. I would like to ask about the phrase the verb "settle" and its phrase "to settle into a seat" and the difference between "to settle into a seat" and "to sit into a seat" via this example.

What does it mean by "to settle an empty seat" What is its difference than "to sit an empty seat" ?

Thank you.

David Hatton · Answer

hhttI would like to know about ~~the phrase~~ the verb "settle", ~~and~~ its the phrase "to settle into a seat" and the difference between "to settle into a seat" and "to sit into a seat".

The verb 'settle' suggests doing more than just sitting. It may indicate that someone is positioning themselves in a place and carefully getting themselves comfortable - they are 'settling themselves in'.
However, the difference isn't that great; we can 'sit comfortably' or 'settle' into a seat, so as you can see, by the addition of an adverb we produce a similar meaning.
You would also not use 'into' with 'sit' normally. You sit 'in' / 'on' something.

David Hatton · Answer

Sorry, I've tried editing it a couple of times and it won't apply the 'strike through' the word 'its' on the quote from your original post - it should be struck through in my edited version!

To settle into a seat v. to sit into a seat

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