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Setting

 - 9 dictionary results

set⋅ting

  [set-ing]
Use Setting in a Sentence
–noun
1. the act of a person or thing that sets.
2. the surroundings or environment of anything: The garden was a perfect setting for the house.
3. the mounting in which a jewel is set.
4. a group of all the articles, as of china, silver, or glass, required for setting a table or a single place at a table.
5. the locale or period in which the action of a novel, play, film, etc., takes place: The setting of this story is Verona in the 15th century.
6. Also called stage setting, stage set. the scenery and other properties used in a dramatic performance.
7. Music.
a. a piece of music composed for certain words.
b. a piece of music composed for a particular medium, or arranged for other than the original medium.
Origin:
1325–75; ME; see set, -ing 1

Synonyms:
2. See environment.

set

  [set] 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 sit 1 ; (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
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Setting
set 1   (sět)   
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 aboutTo 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 atTo 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 byTo 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 forwardTo 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 uponTo attack violently: Guards set dogs upon the escaping prisoners.

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

Idiom(s):
set foot inTo enter.

Idiom(s):
set foot onTo step on.

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

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

Idiom(s):
set (one's) sights onTo 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) straightTo correct (someone) by providing full and accurate information.

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

Idiom(s):
set up housekeepingTo establish a household.

Idiom(s):
set up shopTo 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.
set·ting   (sět'ĭng)   
n.  

  1. The position, direction, or way in which something, such as an automatic control, is set.

    1. The context and environment in which a situation is set; the background.

    2. The time, place, and circumstances in which a narrative, drama, or film takes place.

  3. Music A composition written or arranged to fit a text, such as a poetical work.

  4. A mounting, as for a jewel.

  5. A place setting.

  6. A set of eggs in a hen's nest.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Slang Dictionary
set

  1. n.
    a period of time that a band plays without a break; a thirty-minute jam session. : We do two sets and then take a twenty-minute break.
  2. n.
    a party. : Your set was a totally major bash!
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

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.

setting 
1375, "fact or action of being set or setting," from set (v.). Ref. to mounts for jewels, etc. is from 1815; meaning "background, history, environment" is attested from 1841.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: 2set
Function: noun
: a state of psychological preparedness usually of limited duration for action in response to an anticipated stimulus orsituation set on the effect experienced with marijuana>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

set (sět)
v. set, set·ting, sets

  1. To put in a specified position; place.

  2. To put into a specified state.

  3. To put into a stable position.

  4. To fix firmly or in an immobile manner.

  5. To become fixed or hardened; coagulate.

  6. To bring the bones of a fracture back into a normal position or alignment.

n.

  1. The act or process of setting.

  2. The condition resulting from setting.

  3. A permanent firming or hardening of a substance.

  4. The carriage or bearing of a part of the body.

  5. A particular psychological state, usually of anticipation or preparedness.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
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