The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CONTEXTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
O
N
T
E
X
T
S
More clues leading to the result CONTEXTS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Settings" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case settings = contexts.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CONTEXTS mean?
CONTEXTS noun- The surroundings, circumstances, environment, background or settings that determine, specify, or clarify the meaning of an event or other occurrence.
- The text in which a word or passage appears and which helps ascertain its meaning.
- The surroundings and environment in which an artifact is found and which may provide important clues about the artifact's function and/or cultural meaning.
- The trama or flesh of a mushroom.
- For a formula: a finite set of variables, which set contains all the free variables in the given formula.
- To knit or bind together; to unite closely.