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set

1 set /ˈsɛt/ verb
sets; set; setting
1 set
/ˈsɛt/
verb
sets; set; setting
Britannica Dictionary definition of SET
always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ object]
: to put (something) in a place or position
: to put (something) into the surface of something often used as (be) set
: to attach (something, such as a jewel) to a piece of jewelry or other decoration
often used as (be) set
always followed by an adverb or preposition, [+ object] : to cause the action of (a film, story, etc.) to happen in a certain place or during a certain time often used as (be) set
[+ object]
: to make (something) ready to be used : to put (something) in a position to be used
: to put plates, forks, spoons, knives, etc., on a table before serving a meal
[+ object] : to cause (a clock) to show a particular time
: to cause the controls of (a clock or other device) to be in a particular position
[+ object] : to decide on or choose (something)
[+ object]
: to give (a particular price or value) to something
: to give (a high value or importance) to something
[+ object]
: to cause (something) to be accepted as an example, rule, etc. : to establish (a standard, trend, etc.) for others to follow or try to copy
: to establish (a record) as the performance or achievement that is the best of its kind
[+ object] : to cause (someone or something) to be in a specified condition
: to cause (someone or something) to start doing something
[+ object]
often + to
[no object]
10 
[+ object] British : to give (someone) a particular job : to require someone to do (a task)
11 
[no object] of the sun or moon : to move down in the sky and go below the horizon opposite 1rise 5
12 
[+ object] : to put and hold (your jaw, mouth, etc.) firmly into a certain position
13 
[no object] of a liquid : to become thick or hard
: to become permanent
[no object]
[+ object]
14 
: to put (a broken bone) into its normal position so it can heal
[+ object]
[no object]
15 
[+ object] : to give a particular style to (someone's hair) by wetting it, putting it in curlers or clips, and drying it
16 
[+ object] : to type or print (a word, sentence, etc.) in a particular form or style
17 
[+ object] : to add music to (words) : to create (music) to accompany words usually + to

set about

[phrasal verb]
set about (something)
: to begin to do (something)
sometimes followed by to + verb

set against

[phrasal verb]
set (something) against (something)
: to compare (something) to (something else)
often used as (be) set against
see also 1set 2 (above)
British : to list (something) as an expense in order to reduce (income for which you must pay tax)
set (yourself) against (something or someone) : to decide that you do not support (something or someone) : to be or become opposed to (something or someone)
set (someone) against (someone) : to cause (someone) to disagree with or oppose (someone)

set apart

[phrasal verb]
set (someone or something) apart : to be a quality that makes (someone or something) better than or different from other people or things usually + from
set (something) apart : to keep or save (something) for a particular purpose often used as (be) set apart usually + for

set aside

[phrasal verb]
set (something) aside or set aside (something)
: to move (something) to the side because you are not working on it, dealing with it, etc.
: to wait until later to use or deal with (something)
: to keep or save (something) for a particular purpose
: to stop thinking about, talking about, or being affected by (something)
law : to change or reverse (a legal decision, conviction, etc.)

set back

[phrasal verb]
set (something or someone) back or set back (something or someone) : to make the progress of (something or someone) slower or more difficult : to cause (something or someone) to go back to an earlier or worse condition
set (someone) back informal : 2cost

set down

[phrasal verb]
set down (something) : to create or establish (a rule, requirement, etc.)
set (something) down or set down (something)
: to record (something) by writing it down
: to land (an airplane) on the ground or water
set (someone) down : to allow (someone) to get off a bus, airplane, etc.

set eyes on

see 1eye

set foot in/on

see 1foot

set forth

[phrasal verb]
literary : to begin a journey
set forth (something) or set (something) forth formal : to explain or describe (something) in an organized way

set forward

[phrasal verb]
set (something) forward or set forward (something)
: to explain or describe (something) so that it can be considered

set in

[phrasal verb]
: to begin to be present, seen, etc. used of something unpleasant or unwanted that often lasts for a long time

set in stone

see 1stone

set (someone or something) loose

see let loose at 1loose

set off

[phrasal verb]
: to begin traveling
set off (something) also set (something) off : to cause (something) to start or happen
set off (something) or set (something) off
: to cause (something) to begin making noise
: to cause (fireworks, a bomb, etc.) to explode
: to make (something) easy to see or notice
set (someone) off : to cause (someone) to suddenly start yelling, crying, laughing, etc.

set on

[phrasal verb]
set (someone or something) on (someone)
: to make (a person or animal) suddenly attack (someone)

set out

[phrasal verb]
: to begin traveling in a particular direction
: to start doing something : to begin an activity or effort with a particular plan or purpose
often followed by to + verb
set (something) out or set out (something)
: to explain or describe (something)
: to move and organize (a group of things) so that they can be seen or used

set pen to paper

see 1pen

set sail

see 2sail

set the pace

see 1pace

set the record straight

see 1record

set the scene

see scene

set the stage

see 1stage

set to

[phrasal verb] British, literary
: to begin doing something in an active and serious way

set up

[phrasal verb]
: to prepare for something by putting things where they need to be
set up (something) or set (something) up
: to create or establish (something) for a particular purpose
: to arrange and plan (an event or activity)
: to put (something) in an upright position
: to make (a machine, system, etc.) ready to be used
set (someone) up or set up (someone)
: to cause (someone) to be in a bad situation or to appear guilty
British : to help (someone) feel healthy and full of energy
: to give (someone) a job, a place to live, etc.
: to do something that makes it likely or possible for (someone) to do, get, or experience something
usually + for
: to cause (someone) to meet someone in order to start a romantic relationship
often + with
set (yourself) up as (something)
: to try to make people believe that you are (something)
also set up as (something) or set up in (something) : to start your own business
see also setup

set up house

see 1house

set upon

[phrasal verb]
set upon (someone or something)
: to attack (someone or something) often used as (be) set upon

set up shop

see 1shop

set your heart on

see heart

set your mind to

see 1mind

set your teeth on edge

see tooth
2 set /ˈsɛt/ noun
plural sets
2 set
/ˈsɛt/
noun
plural sets
Britannica Dictionary definition of SET
[count]
: a group of similar things that belong together often + of
: a group of things that are used together
see also tea set
[count] : a piece of electronic equipment
see also headset
[count]
: a place where a movie or television program is filmed or a play is performed
: the rooms, painted backgrounds, furniture, etc., that are used for a scene in a movie, television program, or play
called also (US) setting
[count] : one of the parts into which a tennis or volleyball match is divided : a group of tennis or volleyball games see also set point
[count] : a group of songs or pieces that a musician or band performs at a concert
[singular] somewhat old-fashioned : a group of people who have similar interests or characteristics
see also jet set
[count] British : a group of students who perform at the same level in a particular subject
[count] mathematics : a group of numbers, points, etc.
[count] : the number of times that you perform a group of repeated movements when you exercise
10 
[singular] : the way you move or hold your body, shoulders, etc.
see also mind-set
11 
[count] : a small bulb that you use to grow a new plant
3 set /ˈsɛt/ adjective
3 set
/ˈsɛt/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of SET
: having a particular position or location
see also close-set
: particular and not changing used to describe something that has been decided by someone with authority
[more set; most set] : not likely to change
of a person's face or expression : in a firm position that does not move or change
not used before a noun, informal : ready or prepared for something
not used before a noun : scheduled or supposed to happen at a certain time often + for
often followed by to + verb

be set against

: to feel strongly that you do not want (something) or will not do (something)

be set on

: to feel strongly that you want (something) or will do (something)

(get) ready, (get) set, go

see 1ready

have your heart set on

see heart

have your mind set on

see 1mind

set in stone

see 1stone