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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.
EXPANDto 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, especially 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 followed 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.
COLLAPSEto 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.
EXPANDto 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 followed 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.
COLLAPSENonstandard. sit: Come in and set a spell.
00:10
00:09
00:08
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00:06
00:05
00:04
00:03
00:02
00:01
Set off
is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
| an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance. |
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.
EXPANDa 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.
COLLAPSEsett (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.
EXPANDresolved or determined; habitually or stubbornly fixed: to be set in one's opinions.
99.
COLLAPSEcompletely prepared; ready: Is everyone set?
interjection
Verb phrases100.
(in calling the start of a race): Ready! Set! Go! Also, get set!
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.
EXPANDset 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.
COLLAPSEset 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.
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).
Origin:
before 900; (v.) Middle English setten, Old English settan; cognate with Old Norse setja, German setzen, Gothic satjan, all < Germanic *satjan, causative of *setjan to sit1; (noun) (in senses denoting the action of setting or the state of being set) Middle English set, set(t)e, derivative of the v. and its past participle; (in senses denoting a group) Middle English sette < Old French < Latin secta sect (in later use influenced by the v. and Middle Low German gesette set, suite)
before 900; (v.) Middle English setten, Old English settan; cognate with Old Norse setja, German setzen, Gothic satjan, all < Germanic *satjan, causative of *setjan to sit1; (noun) (in senses denoting the action of setting or the state of being set) Middle English set, set(t)e, derivative of the v. and its past participle; (in senses denoting a group) Middle English sette < Old French < Latin secta sect (in later use influenced by the v. and Middle Low German gesette set, suite)
Related forms
in·ter·set, verb (used with object), in·ter·set, in·ter·set·ting.
mis·set, verb, mis·set, mis·set·ting.
self-set, adjective
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.
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. EXPANDThe 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).
COLLAPSE
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. EXPANDThe 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).
COLLAPSE
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
|
Link To set off
Collins
World English Dictionary
| set off | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | (intr) to embark on a journey |
| 2. | (tr) to cause (a person) to act or do something, such as laugh or tell stories |
| 3. | (tr) to cause to explode |
| 4. | (tr) to act as a foil or contrast to, esp so as to improve: that brooch sets your dress off well |
| 5. | (tr) accounting to cancel a credit on (one account) against a debit on another, both of which are in the name of the same person, enterprise, etc |
| 6. | (intr) to bring a claim by way of setoff |
| —n | |
| 7. | anything that serves as a counterbalance |
| 8. | anything that serves to contrast with or enhance something else; foil |
| 9. | See set back another name for setback |
| 10. | a counterbalancing debt or claim offered by a debtor against a creditor |
| 11. | See also counterclaim a cross claim brought by a debtor that partly offsets the creditor's claim |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
set
"collection of things," mid-15c., 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" (late 14c.), which likely is the direct source of some
EXPANDmeanings, e.g. "group of persons with shared status, habits, etc." (1680s). 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 1580s.
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
set (sět)
v. set, set·ting, sets
To put in a specified position; place.
To put into a specified state.
To put into a stable position.
To fix firmly or in an immobile manner.
To become fixed or hardened; coagulate.
To bring the bones of a fracture back into a normal position or alignment.
The act or process of setting.
The condition resulting from setting.
A permanent firming or hardening of a substance.
The carriage or bearing of a part of the body.
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.
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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
set  (sět) Pronunciation Key
A collection of distinct elements that have something in common. In mathematics, sets are commonly represented by enclosing the members of a set in curly braces, as {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}, the set of all positive integers from 1 to 5. |
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Slang Dictionary
set definition
|
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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American Heritage
Idioms & Phrases
set off
-
Give rise to, cause to occur, as in The acid set off a chemical reaction. [Early 1600s]
-
Cause to explode, as in They set off a bomb. [Late 1800s]
-
Distinguish, show to be different, contrast with, as in That black coat sets him off from the others in the picture, or Italics set this sentence off from the rest of the text. [Late 1500s]
-
Enhance, make more attractive, as in That color sets off her blonde hair. [Early 1600s]
-
Begin a journey, leave, as in When do you set off for Europe? [Second half of 1700s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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