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set    Audio Help   [set] Pronunciation Key verb, set, set·ting, noun, adjective, interjection
–verb (used with object)
1.to put (something or someone) in a particular place: to set a vase on a table.
2.to place in a particular position or posture: Set the baby on his feet.
3.to place in some relation to something or someone: We set a supervisor over the new workers.
4.to put into some condition: to set a house on fire.
5.to put or apply: to set fire to a house.
6.to put in the proper position: to set a chair back on its feet.
7.to put in the proper or desired order or condition for use: to set a trap.
8.to distribute or arrange china, silver, etc., for use on (a table): to set the table for dinner.
9.to place (the hair, esp. when wet) on rollers, in clips, or the like, so that the hair will assume a particular style.
10.to put (a price or value) upon something: He set $7500 as the right amount for the car. The teacher sets a high value on neatness.
11.to fix the value of at a certain amount or rate; value: He set the car at $500. She sets neatness at a high value.
12.to post, station, or appoint for the purpose of performing some duty: to set spies on a person.
13.to determine or fix definitely: to set a time limit.
14.to resolve or decide upon: to set a wedding date.
15.to cause to pass into a given state or condition: to set one's mind at rest; to set a prisoner free.
16.to direct or settle resolutely or wishfully: to set one's mind to a task.
17.to present as a model; place before others as a standard: to set a good example.
18.to establish for others to follow: to set a fast pace.
19.to prescribe or assign, as a task.
20.to adjust (a mechanism) so as to control its performance.
21.to adjust the hands of (a clock or watch) according to a certain standard: I always set my watch by the clock in the library.
22.to adjust (a timer, alarm of a clock, etc.) so as to sound when desired: He set the alarm for seven o'clock.
23.to fix or mount (a gem or the like) in a frame or setting.
24.to ornament or stud with gems or the like: a bracelet set with pearls.
25.to cause to sit; seat: to set a child in a highchair.
26.to put (a hen) on eggs to hatch them.
27.to place (eggs) under a hen or in an incubator for hatching.
28.to place or plant firmly: to set a flagpole in concrete.
29.to put into a fixed, rigid, or settled state, as the face, muscles, etc.
30.to fix at a given point or calibration: to set the dial on an oven; to set a micrometer.
31.to tighten (often fol. by up): to set nuts well up.
32.to cause to take a particular direction: to set one's course to the south.
33.Surgery. to put (a broken or dislocated bone) back in position.
34.(of a hunting dog) to indicate the position of (game) by standing stiffly and pointing with the muzzle.
35.Music.
a.to fit, as words to music.
b.to arrange for musical performance.
c.to arrange (music) for certain voices or instruments.
36.Theater.
a.to arrange the scenery, properties, lights, etc., on (a stage) for an act or scene.
b.to prepare (a scene) for dramatic performance.
37.Nautical. to spread and secure (a sail) so as to catch the wind.
38.Printing.
a.to arrange (type) in the order required for printing.
b.to put together types corresponding to (copy); compose in type: to set an article.
39.Baking. to put aside (a substance to which yeast has been added) in order that it may rise.
40.to change into curd: to set milk with rennet.
41.to cause (glue, mortar, or the like) to become fixed or hard.
42.to urge, goad, or encourage to attack: to set the hounds on a trespasser.
43.Bridge. to cause (the opposing partnership or their contract) to fall short: We set them two tricks at four spades. Only perfect defense could set four spades.
44.to affix or apply, as by stamping: The king set his seal to the decree.
45.to fix or engage (a fishhook) firmly into the jaws of a fish by pulling hard on the line once the fish has taken the bait.
46.to sharpen or put a keen edge on (a blade, knife, razor, etc.) by honing or grinding.
47.to fix the length, width, and shape of (yarn, fabric, etc.).
48.Carpentry. to sink (a nail head) with a nail set.
49.to bend or form to the proper shape, as a saw tooth or a spring.
50.to bend the teeth of (a saw) outward from the blade alternately on both sides in order to make a cut wider than the blade itself.
–verb (used without object)
51.to pass below the horizon; sink: The sun sets early in winter.
52.to decline; wane.
53.to assume a fixed or rigid state, as the countenance or the muscles.
54.(of the hair) to be placed temporarily on rollers, in clips, or the like, in order to assume a particular style: Long hair sets more easily than short hair.
55.to become firm, solid, or permanent, as mortar, glue, cement, or a dye, due to drying or physical or chemical change.
56.to sit on eggs to hatch them, as a hen.
57.to hang or fit, as clothes.
58.to begin to move; start (usually fol. by forth, out, off, etc.).
59.(of a flower's ovary) to develop into a fruit.
60.(of a hunting dog) to indicate the position of game.
61.to have a certain direction or course, as a wind, current, or the like.
62.Nautical. (of a sail) to be spread so as to catch the wind.
63.Printing. (of type) to occupy a certain width: This copy sets to forty picas.
64.Nonstandard. sit: Come in and set a spell.
–noun
65.the act or state of setting or the state of being set.
66.a collection of articles designed for use together: a set of china; a chess set.
67.a collection, each member of which is adapted for a special use in a particular operation: a set of golf clubs; a set of carving knives.
68.a number, group, or combination of things of similar nature, design, or function: a set of ideas.
69.a series of volumes by one author, about one subject, etc.
70.a number, company, or group of persons associated by common interests, occupations, conventions, or status: a set of murderous thieves; the smart set.
71.the fit, as of an article of clothing: the set of his coat.
72.fixed direction, bent, or inclination: The set of his mind was obvious.
73.bearing or carriage: the set of one's shoulders.
74.the assumption of a fixed, rigid, or hard state, as by mortar or glue.
75.the arrangement of the hair in a particular style: How much does the beauty parlor charge for a shampoo and set?
76.a plate for holding a tool or die.
77.an apparatus for receiving radio or television programs; receiver.
78.Philately. a group of stamps that form a complete series.
79.Tennis. a unit of a match, consisting of a group of not fewer than six games with a margin of at least two games between the winner and loser: He won the match in straight sets of 6–3, 6–4, 6–4.
80.a construction representing a place or scene in which the action takes place in a stage, motion-picture, or television production.
81.Machinery.
a.the bending out of the points of alternate teeth of a saw in opposite directions.
b.a permanent deformation or displacement of an object or part.
c.a tool for giving a certain form to something, as a saw tooth.
82.a chisel having a wide blade for dividing bricks.
83.Horticulture. a young plant, or a slip, tuber, or the like, suitable for planting.
84.Dance.
a.the number of couples required to execute a quadrille or the like.
b.a series of movements or figures that make up a quadrille or the like.
85.Music.
a.a group of pieces played by a band, as in a night club, and followed by an intermission.
b.the period during which these pieces are played.
86.Bridge. a failure to take the number of tricks specified by one's contract: Our being vulnerable made the set even more costly.
87.Nautical.
a.the direction of a wind, current, etc.
b.the form or arrangement of the sails, spars, etc., of a vessel.
c.suit (def. 12).
88.Psychology. a temporary state of an organism characterized by a readiness to respond to certain stimuli in a specific way.
89.Mining. a timber frame bracing or supporting the walls or roof of a shaft or stope.
90.Carpentry. nail set.
91.Mathematics. a collection of objects or elements classed together.
92.Printing. the width of a body of type.
93.sett (def. 3).
–adjective
94.fixed or prescribed beforehand: a set time; set rules.
95.specified; fixed: The hall holds a set number of people.
96.deliberately composed; customary: set phrases.
97.fixed; rigid: a set smile.
98.resolved or determined; habitually or stubbornly fixed: to be set in one's opinions.
99.completely prepared; ready: Is everyone set?
–interjection
100.(in calling the start of a race): Ready! Set! Go!
—Verb phrases
101.set about,
a.to begin on; start.
b.to undertake; attempt.
c.to assault; attack.
102.set against,
a.to cause to be hostile or antagonistic.
b.to compare or contrast: The advantages must be set against the disadvantages.
103.set ahead, to set to a later setting or time: Set your clocks ahead one hour.
104.set apart,
a.to reserve for a particular purpose.
b.to cause to be noticed; distinguish: Her bright red hair sets her apart from her sisters.
105.set aside,
a.to put to one side; reserve: The clerk set aside the silver brooch for me.
b.to dismiss from the mind; reject.
c.to prevail over; discard; annul: to set aside a verdict.
106.set back,
a.to hinder; impede.
b.to turn the hands of (a watch or clock) to show an earlier time: When your plane gets to California, set your watch back two hours.
c.to reduce to a lower setting: Set back the thermostat before you go to bed.
107.set by, to save or keep for future use.
108.set down,
a.to write or to copy or record in writing or printing.
b.to consider; estimate: to set someone down as a fool.
c.to attribute; ascribe: to set a failure down to bad planning.
d.to put in a position of rest on a level surface.
e.to humble or humiliate.
f.to land an airplane: We set down in a heavy fog.
g.(in horse racing) to suspend (a jockey) from competition because of some offense or infraction of the rules.
109.set forth,
a.to give an account of; state; describe: He set forth his theory in a scholarly report.
b.to begin a journey; start: Columbus set forth with three small ships.
110.set in,
a.to begin to prevail; arrive: Darkness set in.
b.(of winds or currents) to blow or flow toward the shore.
111.set off,
a.to cause to become ignited or to explode.
b.to begin; start.
c.to intensify or improve by contrast.
d.to begin a journey or trip; depart.
112.set on,
a.Also, set upon. to attack or cause to attack: to set one's dog on a stranger.
b.to instigate; incite: to set a crew to mutiny.
113.set out,
a.to begin a journey or course: to set out for home.
b.to undertake; attempt: He set out to prove his point.
c.to design; plan: to set out a pattern.
d.to define; describe: to set out one's arguments.
e.to plant: to set out petunias and pansies.
f.to lay out (the plan of a building) in actual size at the site.
g.to lay out (a building member or the like) in actual size.
114.set to,
a.to make a vigorous effort; apply oneself to work; begin.
b.to begin to fight; contend.
115.set up,
a.to put upright; raise.
b.to put into a high or powerful position.
c.to construct; assemble; erect.
d.to be assembled or made ready for use: exercise equipment that sets up in a jiffy.
e.to inaugurate; establish.
f.to enable to begin in business; provide with means.
g.Informal. to make a gift of; treat, as to drinks.
h.Informal. to stimulate; elate.
i.to propound; plan; advance.
j.to bring about; cause.
k.to become firm or hard, as a glue or cement: a paint that sets up within five minutes.
l.to lead or lure into a dangerous, detrimental, or embarrassing situation, as by deceitful prearrangement or connivance.
m.to entrap or frame, as an innocent person in a crime or a criminal suspect in a culpable circumstance in order to achieve an arrest.
n.to arrange the murder or execution of: His partner set him up with the mob.
o.Bridge. to establish (a suit): to set up spades.
—Idioms
116.all set, Informal. in readiness; prepared: They were at the starting line and all set to begin.
117.set forward, to turn the hands of (a watch or clock) to show a later time: When your plane lands in New York, set your watch forward two hours.
118.set one's face against. face (def. 53).
119.set store by. store (def. 16).
Also, get set!

[Origin: bef. 900; (v.) ME setten, OE settan; c. ON setja, G setzen, Goth satjan, all < Gmc *satjan, causative of *setjan to sit1; (n.) (in senses denoting the action of setting or the state of being set) ME set, set(t)e, deriv. of the v. and its ptp.; (in senses denoting a group) ME sette < OF < L secta sect (in later use influenced by the v. and MLG gesette set, suite)]

—Synonyms 1. position, locate, situate, plant. See put. 11. estimate, appraise, evaluate, price, rate. 13. establish. 55. solidify, congeal, harden. 70. clique. See circle. 72. attitude. 73. posture. 94. predetermined. 98. stubborn, obstinate.
—Usage note The verbs set and sit1 are similar in form and meaning but different in grammatical use. Set is chiefly transitive and takes an object: Set the dish on the shelf. Its past tense and past participle are also set: Yesterday he set three posts for the fence. The judge has set the date for the trial. Set also has some standard intransitive uses, as “to pass below the horizon” (The sun sets late in the northern latitudes during the summer) and “to become firm, solid, etc.” (This glue sets quickly). The use of set for sit, “to be seated,” is nonstandard: Pull up a chair and set by me.
Sit is chiefly intransitive and does not take an object: Let's sit here in the shade. Its past tense and past participle are sat: They sat at the table for nearly two hours. Have they sat down yet? Transitive uses of sit include “to cause to sit” (Pull up a chair and sit yourself down) and “to provide seating for” (The waiter sat us near the window).
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Set

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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
Set    Audio Help   [set] Pronunciation Key
–noun Egyptian Religion.
the brother and murderer of Osiris, represented as having the form of a donkey or other mammal and regarded as personifying the desert.
Also, Seth.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
set 1    Audio Help   (sět)  Pronunciation Key 
v.   set, set·ting, sets

v.   tr.
  1. To put in a specified position; place: set a book on a table.
  2. To put into a specified state: set the prisoner at liberty.
    1. To put into a stable position: set the fence post into a bed of concrete.
    2. To fix firmly or in an immobile manner: He set his jaw and concentrated on flying the plane through the storm.
    3. To adjust for proper functioning.
    4. To adjust (a saw) by deflecting the teeth.
    5. Nautical To spread open to the wind: set the sails.
    6. To arrange (type) into words and sentences preparatory to printing; compose.
    7. To transpose into type.
    8. To compose (music) to fit a given text.
    9. To write (words) to fit a given melodic line.
    10. To establish as the highest level of performance: set a world aviation record.
    11. To establish as a model: A parent must set a good example for the children.
    12. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
    13. To apply jewels to; stud: a tiara that was set with diamonds.
    14. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
    15. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
    16. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
    17. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
    18. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
    19. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
    20. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
  4. To restore to a proper and normal state when dislocated or broken: set a broken arm.
    1. To adjust for proper functioning.
    2. To adjust (a saw) by deflecting the teeth.
    3. Nautical To spread open to the wind: set the sails.
    4. To arrange (type) into words and sentences preparatory to printing; compose.
    5. To transpose into type.
    6. To compose (music) to fit a given text.
    7. To write (words) to fit a given melodic line.
    8. To establish as the highest level of performance: set a world aviation record.
    9. To establish as a model: A parent must set a good example for the children.
    10. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
    11. To apply jewels to; stud: a tiara that was set with diamonds.
    12. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
    13. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
    14. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
    15. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
    16. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
    17. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
    18. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
  6. To adjust according to a standard.
  7. To adjust (an instrument or device) to a specific point or calibration: set an alarm clock.
  8. To arrange properly for use: set a place for a dinner guest; set a table.
  9. To apply equipment, such as curlers and clips, to (hair) in order to style.
  10. Printing
    1. To arrange (type) into words and sentences preparatory to printing; compose.
    2. To transpose into type.
    3. To compose (music) to fit a given text.
    4. To write (words) to fit a given melodic line.
    5. To establish as the highest level of performance: set a world aviation record.
    6. To establish as a model: A parent must set a good example for the children.
    7. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
    8. To apply jewels to; stud: a tiara that was set with diamonds.
    9. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
    10. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
    11. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
    12. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
    13. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
    14. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
    15. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
  11. Music
    1. To compose (music) to fit a given text.
    2. To write (words) to fit a given melodic line.
    3. To establish as the highest level of performance: set a world aviation record.
    4. To establish as a model: A parent must set a good example for the children.
    5. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
    6. To apply jewels to; stud: a tiara that was set with diamonds.
    7. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
    8. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
    9. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
    10. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
    11. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
    12. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
    13. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
  12. To arrange scenery on (a theater stage).
  13. To prescribe the unfolding of (a drama or narrative, for instance) in a specific place: a play that is set in Venice.
  14. To prescribe or establish: set a precedent.
  15. To prescribe as a time for: set June 6 as the day of the invasion.
  16. To detail or assign (someone) to a particular duty, service, or station: set the child to cleaning the closets; set guards around the perimeter.
  17. To incite to hostile action: a war that set families against one another.
    1. To establish as the highest level of performance: set a world aviation record.
    2. To establish as a model: A parent must set a good example for the children.
    3. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
    4. To apply jewels to; stud: a tiara that was set with diamonds.
    5. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
    6. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
    7. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
    8. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
    9. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
    10. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
    11. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
    1. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
    2. To apply jewels to; stud: a tiara that was set with diamonds.
    3. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
    4. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
    5. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
    6. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
    7. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
    8. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
    9. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
  20. To cause to sit.
    1. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
    2. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
    3. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
    4. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
    5. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
    6. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
    7. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
  22. Sports To position (oneself) in such a way as to be ready to start running a race.
  23. Sports To pass (a volleyball), usually with the fingertips, in an arc close to the net so that a teammate can drive it over the net.
    1. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
    2. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
    3. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
    4. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
    5. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
  25. To point to the location of (game) by holding a fixed attitude. Used of a hunting dog.
  26. Botany To produce, as after pollination: set seed.
    1. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
    2. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.

v.   intr.
  1. To disappear below the horizon: The sun set at seven that evening.
  2. To diminish or decline; wane.
  3. To sit on eggs. Used of fowl.
    1. To become fixed; harden. See Synonyms at coagulate.
    2. To become permanent. Used of dye.
  5. To become whole; knit. Used of a broken bone.
  6. Botany To mature or develop, as after pollination.
  7. Nonstandard To sit: "If Emmett drives, I could set up front" (Bobbie Ann Mason).
  8. To position oneself preparatory to an action, such as running a race.

adj.  
  1. Fixed or established by agreement: a set time for the launching.
  2. Established by convention: followed set procedures for filing a grievance.
  3. Established deliberately; intentional: Our set purpose is to win the conflict.
  4. Fixed and rigid: "His bearded face already has a set, hollow look" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
  5. Unwilling or very reluctant to change: He is set in his ways.
    1. Intent and determined: "He is dead set against rushing abroad to build a plant" (Fortune).
    2. Ready: We are set to leave early tomorrow morning.

n.  
    1. The act or process of setting.
    2. The condition resulting from setting.
    3. The carriage or bearing of a part of the body.
    4. A particular psychological state, usually that of anticipation or preparedness: "The mental set of an audience is crucial to his performance" (Psychology Today).
    5. To regard; consider: Just set him down as a sneak.
    6. To assign to a cause; attribute: Let's set the error down to inexperience.
    7. To give rise to; cause to occur: set off a chemical reaction.
    8. To cause to explode: set off a bomb.
    9. To make suddenly or demonstrably angry: The clerk's indifference finally set me off.
    10. To elevate; raise.
    11. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.
    12. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.
    13. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.
    14. To treat (someone) to drinks.
    15. To pay for (drinks).
  2. The manner in which something is positioned: the set of her cap.
  3. A permanent firming or hardening of a substance, as by cooling.
  4. The deflection of the teeth of a saw.
    1. The carriage or bearing of a part of the body.
    2. A particular psychological state, usually that of anticipation or preparedness: "The mental set of an audience is crucial to his performance" (Psychology Today).
    3. To regard; consider: Just set him down as a sneak.
    4. To assign to a cause; attribute: Let's set the error down to inexperience.
    5. To give rise to; cause to occur: set off a chemical reaction.
    6. To cause to explode: set off a bomb.
    7. To make suddenly or demonstrably angry: The clerk's indifference finally set me off.
    8. To elevate; raise.
    9. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.
    10. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.
    11. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.
    12. To treat (someone) to drinks.
    13. To pay for (drinks).
  6. A descent below the horizon.
  7. The direction or course of wind or water.
  8. A seedling, slip, or cutting that is ready for planting.
  9. The act of arranging hair by waving and curling it.
  10. Sports The act of setting a volleyball for a teammate.
  11. To reserve for a specific use.
  12. To make noticeable: character traits that set her apart.
  13. To separate and reserve for a special purpose.
  14. To discard or reject.
  15. To declare invalid; annul or overrule: The court has set aside the conviction.
  16. To slow down the progress of; hinder.
  17. Informal To cost: That coat set me back $1,000.
  18. To cause to sit; seat: Set the baby down here.
  19. To put in writing; record: We set down the facts.
    1. To regard; consider: Just set him down as a sneak.
    2. To assign to a cause; attribute: Let's set the error down to inexperience.
    3. To give rise to; cause to occur: set off a chemical reaction.
    4. To cause to explode: set off a bomb.
    5. To make suddenly or demonstrably angry: The clerk's indifference finally set me off.
    6. To elevate; raise.
    7. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.
    8. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.
    9. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.
    10. To treat (someone) to drinks.
    11. To pay for (drinks).
  21. To land (an aircraft): The pilot set the plane down hard.
  22. Baseball To put out (a batter); retire. Used of a pitcher.
  23. To present for consideration; propose: set forth a sound plan.
  24. To express in words: She has set forth her ideas.
  25. To insert: set in the sleeve of a gown.
  26. To begin to happen or be apparent: "Evening was setting in as I took the road over Mountain Top" (Charles Siebert).
  27. To move toward the shore. Used of wind or water.
    1. To give rise to; cause to occur: set off a chemical reaction.
    2. To cause to explode: set off a bomb.
    3. To make suddenly or demonstrably angry: The clerk's indifference finally set me off.
    4. To elevate; raise.
    5. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.
    6. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.
    7. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.
    8. To treat (someone) to drinks.
    9. To pay for (drinks).
  29. To indicate as being different; distinguish: features setting him off from the crowd.
  30. To direct attention to by contrast; accentuate: set off a passage with italics.
  31. To counterbalance, counteract, or compensate for: Our dismay at her leaving was set off by our knowing that she was happy.
  32. To start on a journey: set off for Europe.
  33. To begin an earnest attempt; undertake: He set out to understand why the plan had failed.
  34. To lay out systematically or graphically: set out a terrace.
  35. To display for exhibition or sale.
  36. To plant: set out seedlings.
  37. To start a journey: She set out at dawn for town.
  38. To begin working energetically; start in.
  39. To begin fighting.
  40. To place in an upright position.
    1. To elevate; raise.
    2. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.
    3. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.
    4. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.
    5. To treat (someone) to drinks.
    6. To pay for (drinks).
  42. To establish; found: set up a charity.
  43. To cause: They set up howls of protest over new taxes.
  44. To establish in business by providing capital, equipment, or other backing.
  45. Informal
    1. To treat (someone) to drinks.
    2. To pay for (drinks).
  46. Informal To stimulate or exhilarate: a victory that really set the team up.
  47. To lay plans for: set up a kidnapping.
  48. Informal To put (someone else) into a compromising situation by deceit or trickery: Swindlers have set me up.
  49. Sports To make a pass to (a teammate), creating a scoring opportunity.

Phrasal Verb(s):
set about
To begin or start: set about solving the problem.
set apart
  1. To reserve for a specific use.
  2. To make noticeable: character traits that set her apart.
set aside
  1. To separate and reserve for a special purpose.
  2. To discard or reject.
  3. To declare invalid; annul or overrule: The court has set aside the conviction.
set at
To attack or assail: The dogs set at the fox.
set back
  1. To slow down the progress of; hinder.
  2. Informal To cost: That coat set me back $1,000.
set by
To reserve for future use: It is wise to set food and money by in case of a future emergency.
set down
  1. To cause to sit; seat: Set the baby down here.
  2. To put in writing; record: We set down the facts.
    1. To regard; consider: Just set him down as a sneak.
    2. To assign to a cause; attribute: Let's set the error down to inexperience.
  4. To land (an aircraft): The pilot set the plane down hard.
  5. Baseball To put out (a batter); retire. Used of a pitcher.
set forth
  1. To present for consideration; propose: set forth a sound plan.
  2. To express in words: She has set forth her ideas.
set forward
To begin a journey.
set in
  1. To insert: set in the sleeve of a gown.
  2. To begin to happen or be apparent: "Evening was setting in as I took the road over Mountain Top" (Charles Siebert).
  3. To move toward the shore. Used of wind or water.
set off
    1. To give rise to; cause to occur: set off a chemical reaction.
    2. To cause to explode: set off a bomb.
    3. To make suddenly or demonstrably angry: The clerk's indifference finally set me off.
  2. To indicate as being different; distinguish: features setting him off from the crowd.
  3. To direct attention to by contrast; accentuate: set off a passage with italics.
  4. To counterbalance, counteract, or compensate for: Our dismay at her leaving was set off by our knowing that she was happy.
  5. To start on a journey: set off for Europe.
set out
  1. To begin an earnest attempt; undertake: He set out to understand why the plan had failed.
  2. To lay out systematically or graphically: set out a terrace.
  3. To display for exhibition or sale.
  4. To plant: set out seedlings.
  5. To start a journey: She set out at dawn for town.
set to
  1. To begin working energetically; start in.
  2. To begin fighting.
set up
  1. To place in an upright position.
    1. To elevate; raise.
    2. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.
    3. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.
    4. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.
    5. To treat (someone) to drinks.
    6. To pay for (drinks).
  3. To establish; found: set up a charity.
  4. To cause: They set up howls of protest over new taxes.
  5. To establish in business by providing capital, equipment, or other backing.
  6. Informal
    1. To treat (someone) to drinks.
    2. To pay for (drinks).
  7. Informal To stimulate or exhilarate: a victory that really set the team up.
  8. To lay plans for: set up a kidnapping.
  9. Informal To put (someone else) into a compromising situation by deceit or trickery: Swindlers have set me up.
  10. Sports To make a pass to (a teammate), creating a scoring opportunity.
set upon
To attack violently: Guards set dogs upon the escaping prisoners.

Idiom(s):
set fire to
To cause to ignite and burn.

Idiom(s):
set foot in
To enter.

Idiom(s):
set foot on
To step on.

Idiom(s):
set in motion
To give impetus to: The indictment set the judicial process in motion.

Idiom(s):
set (one's) heart on
To be determined to do something.

Idiom(s):
set (one's) sights on
To have as a goal: She set her sights on medical school.

Idiom(s):
set on fire
  1. To cause to ignite and burn.
  2. To cause to become excited: The music set the audience on fire.

Idiom(s):
set sail Nautical
To begin a voyage on water.

Idiom(s):
set (someone) straight
To correct (someone) by providing full and accurate information.

Idiom(s):
set store by
To regard as valuable or worthwhile.

Idiom(s):
set the pace
  1. To go at a speed that other competitors attempt to match or surpass.
  2. To behave or perform in a way that others try to emulate.

Idiom(s):
set the stage for
To provide the underlying basis for: saber rattling that set the stage for war.

Idiom(s):
set up housekeeping
To establish a household.

Idiom(s):
set up shop
To establish one's business operations.

[Middle English setten, from Old English settan; see sed- in Indo-European roots.]

Usage Note: Originally set meant "to cause (something) to sit," so that it is now in most cases a transitive verb: She sets the book on the table. He sets the table. Sit is generally an intransitive verb: He sits at the table. There are some exceptions: The sun sets (not sits). A hen sets (or sits) on her eggs.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
set 2    Audio Help   (sět)  Pronunciation Key 
n.  
  1. A group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used: a chess set.
  2. A group of persons sharing a common interest: the high-school set.
  3. A group of books or periodicals published as a unit.
    1. A number of couples required for participation in a square dance.
    2. The movements constituting a square dance.
    3. The scenery constructed for a theatrical performance.
    4. The entire enclosure in which a movie is filmed; the sound stage.
    5. A session of music, typically dance music, played before an intermission.
    6. The music so played.
    7. A group of games constituting one division or unit of a match, as in tennis.
    8. An offensive formation in football or basketball.
    1. The scenery constructed for a theatrical performance.
    2. The entire enclosure in which a movie is filmed; the sound stage.
    3. A session of music, typically dance music, played before an intermission.
    4. The music so played.
    5. A group of games constituting one division or unit of a match, as in tennis.
    6. An offensive formation in football or basketball.
  6. Music
    1. A session of music, typically dance music, played before an intermission.
    2. The music so played.
    3. A group of games constituting one division or unit of a match, as in tennis.
    4. An offensive formation in football or basketball.
  7. The collective receiving apparatus assembled to operate a radio or television.
  8. Mathematics A collection of distinct elements having specific common properties: a set of positive integers.
  9. Sports
    1. A group of games constituting one division or unit of a match, as in tennis.
    2. An offensive formation in football or basketball.


[Middle English sette, from Old French, from Medieval Latin secta, retinue, from Latin, faction; see sect.]

(Download Now or Buy the Book)
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
set  (v.)
O.E. settan "cause to sit, put in some place, fix firmly," from P.Gmc. *satjanan (cf. O.N. setja, O.Fris. setta, Du. zetten, Ger. setzen), causative form of P.Gmc. root *set- (cf. O.E. sittan "to sit," see sit). Confused with sit since early 14c. Of the sun, moon, etc., "to go down," recorded from c.1300. Set-to "bout, fight" is 1743, originally pugilistic slang. Setup "arrangement" is from 1890. Setback (n.) is from 1674; to set (someone) back "cost" is from 1900.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
set  (adj.)
"fixed," from M.E. sett, prop. pp. of setten "to set" (see set (v.)). Meaning "ready, prepared" first recorded 1844.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
set  (n.)
"collection of things," 1443, from O.Fr. sette "sequence," variant of secte, from M.L. secta "retinue," from L. secta "a following" (see sect). The word had been earlier used in Eng. in the sense of "religious sect" (1387), which likely is the direct source of some meanings, e.g. "group of persons with shared status, habits, etc." (1682). Sense of "burrow of a badger" is attested from 1898. That of "scenery for an individual scene in a play, etc." is recorded from 1859. Meaning "group of pieces musicians perform at a club during 45 minutes (more or less) is from c.1925, though it is found in a similar sense in 1590.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
set

adjective
1. (usually followed by 'to' or 'for') on the point of or strongly disposed; "in no fit state to continue"; "fit to drop"; "laughing fit to burst"; "she was fit to scream"; "primed for a fight"; "we are set to go at any time" [syn: fit] 
2. fixed and unmoving; "with eyes set in a fixed glassy stare"; "his bearded face already has a set hollow look"- Connor Cruise O'Brien; "a face rigid with pain" [syn: fixed] 
3. situated in a particular spot or position; "valuable centrally located urban land"; "strategically placed artillery"; "a house set on a hilltop"; "nicely situated on a quiet riverbank" [syn: located] 
4. set down according to a plan:"a carefully laid table with places set for four people"; "stones laid in a pattern" [syn: laid] 
5. being below the horizon; "the moon is set" 
6. determined or decided upon as by an authority; "date and place are already determined"; "the dictated terms of surrender"; "the time set for the launching" [syn: determined] 
7. converted to solid form (as concrete) [syn: hardened] 

noun
1. a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used; "a set of books"; "a set of golf clubs"; "a set of teeth" 
2. (mathematics) an abstract collection of numbers or symbols; "the set of prime numbers is infinite" 
3. several exercises intended to be done in series; "he did four sets of the incline bench press" 
4. representation consisting of the scenery and other properties used to identify the location of a dramatic production; "the sets were meticulously authentic" [syn: stage set] 
5. an unofficial association of people or groups; "the smart set goes there"; "they were an angry lot" 
6. a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way; "the set of his mind was obvious" [syn: bent] 
7. the act of putting something in position; "he gave a final set to his hat" 
8. a unit of play in tennis or squash; "they played two sets of tennis after dinner" 
9. the process of becoming hard or solid by cooling or drying or crystallization; "the hardening of concrete"; "he tested the set of the glue" [syn: hardening] 
10. evil Egyptian god with the head of a beast that has high square ears and a long snout; brother and murderer of Osiris 
11. the descent of a heavenly body below the horizon; "before the set of sun" 
12. (psychology) being temporarily ready to respond in a particular way; "the subjects' set led them to solve problems the familiar way and to overlook the simpler solution"; "his instructions deliberately gave them the wrong set" 
13. any electronic equipment that receives or transmits radio or tv signals; "the early sets ran on storage batteries" 

verb
1. put into a certain place or abstract location; "Put your things here"; "Set the tray down"; "Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children"; "Place emphasis on a certain point" [syn: put] 
2. fix conclusively or authoritatively; "set the rules" [syn: determine] 
3. decide upon or fix definitely; "fix the variables"; "specify the parameters" [syn: specify] 
4. establish as the highest level or best performance; "set a record" 
5. put into a certain state; cause to be in a certain state; "set the house afire" 
6. fix in a border; "The goldsmith set the diamond" 
7. make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc; "Get the children ready for school!"; "prepare for war"; "I was fixing to leave town after I paid the hotel bill" [syn: fix] 
8. set to a certain position or cause to operate correctly; "set clocks or instruments" 
9. locate; "The film is set in Africa" 
10. disappear beyond the horizon; "the sun sets early these days" [ant: ascend] 
11. adapt for performance in a different way; "set this poem to music" [syn: arrange] 
12. put or set (seeds, seedlings, or plants) into the ground; "Let's plant flowers in the garden" [syn: plant] 
13. apply or start; "set fire to a building" 
14. become gelatinous; "the liquid jelled after we added the enzyme" [syn: jell] 
15. set in type; "My book will be typeset nicely"; "set these words in italics" [syn: typeset] 
16. put into a position that will restore a normal state; "set a broken bone" 
17. insert (a nail or screw below the surface, as into a countersink) 
18. give a fine, sharp edge to a knife or razor 
19. urge to attack someone; "The owner sicked his dogs on the intruders"; "the shaman sics sorcerers on the evil spirits" [syn: sic] 
20. estimate; "We put the time of arrival at 8 P.M." [syn: place] 
21. equip with sails or masts; "rig a ship" [syn: rig] 
22. get ready for a particular purpose or event; "set up an experiment"; "set the table"; "lay out the tools for the surgery" [syn: set up] 
23. alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard; "Adjust the clock, please"; "correct the alignment of the front wheels" [syn: adjust] 
24. bear fruit; "the apple trees fructify" [syn: fructify] 
25. arrange attractively; "dress my hair for the wedding" [syn: dress] 

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms - Cite This Source - Share This

set

In addition to the idioms beginning with set, also see all set; dead set against; get set; get (set) someone's back up; get (set) the ball rolling; lay (set) eyes on; on a pedestal, set; smart set; tongues wagging, set. Also see under put.


The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary (Beta Version) - Cite This Source - Share This
set1 [set] verb — present participle ˈsetting; past tense, past participle set
to put or place
Example: She set the tray down on the table.
Arabic: يَضَع
Chinese (Simplified): 放
Chinese (Traditional): 放
Czech: položit
Danish: sætte
Dutch: zetten
Estonian: panema
Finnish: asettaa, panna
French: poser
German: stellen, legen, setzen
Greek: τοποθετώ, βάζω, αφήνω
Hungarian: (le)tesz
Icelandic: setja, leggja
Indonesian: meletakkan
Italian: mettere
Japanese: 置く
Korean: …을 두다, 놓다
Latvian: likt; novietot
Lithuanian: (pa)dėti
Norwegian: sette, legge, plassere
Polish: kłaść
Portuguese (Brazil): colocar
Portuguese (Portugal): pôr
Romanian: a aşeza
Russian: ставить, класть
Slovak: položiť
Slovenian: postaviti
Spanish: poner, colocar
Swedish: ställa, sätta, lägga
Turkish: koymak
set2 [set] verb
to put plates, knives, forks etc on (a table) for a meal
Example: Please would you set the table for me?
Arabic: يُعِد المائِدَه
Chinese (Simplified): 在餐桌上摆放餐具
Chinese (Traditional): 在餐桌上擺放食具
Czech: prostřít
Danish: dække
Dutch: dekken
Estonian: lauda katma
Finnish: kattaa pöytä
French: mettre
German: decken
Greek: στρώνω (τραπέζι)
Hungarian: megterít
Icelandic: leggja á borð
Indonesian: menata meja makan
Italian: preparare
Japanese: 食卓の用意をする
Korean: (밥상을) 차리다
Latvian: klāt galdu
Lithuanian: (pa)dengti
Norwegian: dekke på bordet
Polish: nakrywać do
Portuguese (Brazil): pôr
Portuguese (Portugal): pôr
Romanian: a pune
Russian: накрывать на стол
Slovak: prestrieť
Slovenian: pogrniti
Spanish: poner
Swedish: duka
Turkish: kurmak, hazırlamak
set3 [set] verb
to settle or arrange (a date, limit, price etc)
Example: It's difficult to set a price on a book when you don't know its value.
Arabic: يُحَدِّد، يُعَيِّن
Chinese (Simplified): 下（价格），定（日期）等
Chinese (Traditional): 下(價格)，定(日期)等
Czech: stanovit
Danish: fastsætte
Dutch: vaststellen
Estonian: määrama
Finnish: määrätä
French: fixer
German: festlegen
Greek: ορίζω
Hungarian: megállapít
Icelandic: ákveða, áætla
Indonesian: menetapkan
Italian: fissare, stabilire
Japanese: 設定する
Korean: …을 정하다
Latvian: noteikt
Lithuanian: nustatyti
Norwegian: (fast)sette, angi
Polish: ustalać, określać
Portuguese (Brazil): estabelecer
Portuguese (Portugal): pôr
Romanian: a fixa
Russian: устанавливать
Slovak: určiť
Slovenian: določiti
Spanish: poner, fijar, acordar
Swedish: sätta, bestämma, fastställa
Turkish: saptamak, kararlaştırmak
set4 [set] verb
to give a person (a task etc) to do
Example: The witch set the prince three tasks; The teacher set a test for her pupils; He should set the others a good example.
Arabic: يُعْطي، يُعَيِّن
Chinese (Simplified): 使某人做…事
Chinese (Traditional): 使某人做…事
Czech: dát
Danish: give; statuere
Dutch: opgeven
Estonian: andma
Finnish: antaa
French: donner
German: stellen
Greek: αναθέτω καθήκον
Hungarian: kitűz, felad
Icelandic: setja, *leggja fyrir
Indonesian: memberi pekerjaan
Italian: dare
Japanese: 課する
Korean: (일을) 맡기다, (문제를) 내다
Latvian: uzdot (darbu u.tml.)
Lithuanian: duoti, skirti, rodyti
Norwegian: gi, sette opp; vise
Polish: dawać
Portuguese (Brazil): dar
Portuguese (Portugal): dar
Romanian: a da
Russian: задавать; подавать
Slovak: dať
Slovenian: dati
Spanish: mandar
Swedish: ge, föregå med
Turkish: vermek
set5 [set] verb
to cause to start doing something
Example: His behaviour set people talking.
Arabic: يَجْعَل، يُحَفِّز
Chinese (Simplified): 引起…着手（做某事）
Chinese (Traditional): 引起…著手(做某事)
Czech: přimět
Danish: få til
Dutch: doen
Estonian: põhjustama, panema
Finnish: saada tekemään
French: déclencher
German: veranlassen
Greek: προκαλώ, γίνομαι αφορμή για κτ.
Hungarian: késztet
Icelandic: koma af stað
Indonesian: menyebabkan
Italian: (provocare)
Japanese: ～させる
Korean: …을(어떤 상태로) 하다［만들다］
Latvian: izraisīt
Lithuanian: sukelti, paskatinti pradėti
Norwegian: få til å