Pronunciations (2)
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/sɛt/
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ˈsɛt
Verb
To put (something) down, to rest.
Usage- Transitive
- Antonyms
- Examples
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Set the tray there.
To attach or affix (something) to something else, or in or upon a certain place.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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I have set my heart on running the marathon.
The Lord set a mark upon Cain.
To put in a specified condition or state; to cause to be.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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The Lord thy God will set thee on high.
I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother.
More examples (1)
Every incident sets him thinking.
To start (a fire).
Usage- Transitive
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
To cause to stop or stick; to obstruct; to fasten to a spot.
Usage- Dated
- Transitive
- Examples
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to set a coach in the mud
To determine or settle.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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to set the rent
To adjust.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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I set the alarm at 6 a.m.
I set the alarm for 6 a.m.
To punch (a nail) into wood so that its head is below the surface.
Usage- Transitive
To arrange with dishes and cutlery, to set the table.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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Please set the table for our guests.
To introduce or describe.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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I’ll tell you what happened, but first let me set the scene.
More examples (1)
An incident which happened about this time will set the characters of these two lads more fairly before the discerning reader than is in the power of the longest dissertation.
To locate (a play, etc.); to assign a backdrop to, geographically or temporally.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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He says he will set his next film in France.
Her debut novel is set during the U.S. Civil War.
To compile, to make (a puzzle or challenge).
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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This crossword was set by Araucaria.
To prepare (a stage or film set).
Usage- Transitive
To fit (someone) up in a situation.
Usage- Transitive
To arrange (type).
Usage- Transitive
- Synonyms
- Examples
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It was a complex page, but he set it quickly.
To devise and assign (work) to.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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The teacher set her students the task of drawing a foot.
To direct (the ball) to a teammate for an attack.
Usage- Transitive
To gel; to solidify.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
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This glue sets in five minutes.
This jelly sets within a few hours when refrigerated.
To render stiff or solid; especially, to convert into curd; to curdle.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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to set milk for cheese
Of a heavenly body, to disappear below the horizon of a planet, etc, as the latter rotates.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
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The moon sets at eight o'clock tonight.
To defeat a contract.
Usage- Transitive
To begin to move; to go forth.
Usage- Obsolete
- as in set out
- followed by “out”
- Examples
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The king is set from London, and the scene is now transported, gentles, to Southampton
To produce after pollination.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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to set seed
Many fruit trees will only flower and set fruit following a cold winter.
To be fixed for growth; to strike root; to begin to germinate or form.
Usage- Intransitive
- of fruit
- Examples
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In the Annapolis Valley, in spite of an irregular bloom, the fruit has set well and has, as yet, been little affected by scab.
To sit (be in a seated position).
Usage- Midwestern-US
- Southern-US
- dialectal
- Intransitive
- Examples
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He sets in that chair all day.
More examples (1)
Old Applegate, in the stern, just set and looked at me, and Lord James, amidship, waved both arms and kept hollering for help. I took a couple of everlasting big strokes and managed to grab hold of the skiff's rail, close to the stern.
And if Mrs. Garner didn't need me right there in the kitchen, I could get a chair and you and me could set out there while I did the vegetables.
To rest or lie somewhere, on something, etc.; to occupy a certain place.
Usage- Midwestern-US
- Southern-US
- dialectal
- Intransitive
- Examples
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Well, we rolled up Interstate 44 Like a rocket-sled on rails. We tore up all of our swindle sheets And left 'em settin' on the scales.
To hunt game with the aid of a setter.
Of a dog, to indicate the position of game.
Usage- Transitive or intransitive
- Examples
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The dog sets the bird.
Your dog sets well.
To apply oneself; to undertake earnestly.
- Examples
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If he set industriously and sincerely to perform the commands of Christ, he can have no ground of doubting but it shall prove successful to him.
To fit music to words.
Usage- Transitive or intransitive
- Examples
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Set thy own songs, and sing them to thy lute.
That I might sing it (Madam) to a tune: Giue me a Note, your Ladiship can set
To place plants or shoots in the ground; to plant.
Usage- Transitive or intransitive
- Examples
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to set pear trees in an orchard
We saw him with eight men setting potatoes within a week of mid-summer.
More examples (1)
At Eastertime one year, she helped him to set potatoes.
To become fixed or rigid; to be fastened.
To have a certain direction of motion; to flow; to move on; to tend.
- Examples
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The current sets to the north; the tide sets to the windward.
To acknowledge a dancing partner by facing them and moving first to one side and then to the other, while they do the opposite.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
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Set to partners! was the next instruction from the caller.
To place or fix in a setting.
- Examples
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to set a precious stone in a border of metal
to set glass in a sash
More examples (1)
And him too rich a jewel to be set / In vulgar metal for a vulgar use.
To put in order in a particular manner; to prepare.
- Examples
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to set (that is, to hone) a razor
to set a saw
To extend and bring into position; to spread.
- Examples
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to set the sails of a ship
To give a pitch to, as a tune; to start by fixing the keynote.
- Examples
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[…] I ſhould be very vvilling to be his Clerk; for vvhich you knovv I am qualified, being able to read, and to ſet a Pſalm.
To reduce from a dislocated or fractured state.
- Examples
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to set a broken bone
To sit or lie (easily etc.) on the stomach; to be digested in a certain manner.
Usage- dialectal
- Intransitive
- Examples
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More examples (1)
If you also knew how to combine foods—that is, what foods eaten together “set well,” you need never have indigestion, constipation or any of the headachy, stomachachy ills they lead to.
To lower into place and fix solidly, as the blocks of cut stone in a structure.
To wager in gambling; to risk.
Usage- Obsolete
- Examples
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I have set my life upon a cast, / And I will stand the hazard of the die.
To adorn with something infixed or affixed; to stud; to variegate with objects placed here and there.
- Examples
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High on their heads, with jewels richly set, / Each lady wore a radiant coronet.
pastoral dales thin set with modern farms
To value; to rate; used with at.
Usage- Obsolete
- Examples
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Be you contented, wearing now the garland, / To have a son set your decrees at naught.
I do not set my life at a pin's fee.
To establish as a rule; to furnish; to prescribe; to assign.
- Examples
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to set a good example
To suit; to become.
Usage- Scotland
- Examples
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It sets him ill.
To cause (a domestic fowl) to sit on eggs to brood.
- Examples
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To set a hen.
To arrange the casting of a movie.
- Examples
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Paramount Pictures has set Jennifer Love Hewitt for a movie called Two Can Play This Game.
Noun
A punch for setting nails in wood.
- Examples
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nail set
A device for receiving broadcast radio waves (or, more recently, broadcast data); a radio or television.
- Examples
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television set
Say, you can watch 60 Minutes / Even Captain Kangaroo / But there's only one set, so whatever you watch / Well, you know I gotta watch it too
A small tuber or bulb used instead of seed, particularly onion sets and potato sets.
The amount by which the teeth of a saw protrude to the side in order to create the kerf.
A permanent change of shape caused by excessive strain, as from compression, tension, bending, twisting, etc.
- Examples
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the set of a spring
The wings were bent or set permanently 2 to 3 inches upward at the wingtips; however, the set was within the manufacturer's allowable tolerances.
A bias of mind; an attitude or pattern of behaviour.
A piece placed temporarily upon the head of a pile when the latter cannot otherwise be reached by the weight, or hammer.
The width of the body of a type.
Usage- Dated
A young oyster when first attached.
Collectively, the crop of young oysters in any locality.
A series or group of something. (Note the similar meaning in Etymology 4, Noun)
The manner, state, or quality of setting or fitting; fit.
Usage- Colloquial
- Examples
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the set of a coat
More examples (1)
Mr. Joolby lay on the floor beside his special chair, his face doubly terrible in its rigid set, his body writhing this way and that with spasmodic jerks and contortions.
So much of our culture, hidden by necessity for so long, involves subtle codes and signals: the set of her shoulders, the sway of his hips.
The pattern of a tartan, etc.
The camber of a curved roofing tile.
The full number of eggs set under a hen.
That which is staked; a wager; hence, a gambling game.
Usage- Obsolete
- Rare
- Examples
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We will in France, by God's grace, play a set / Shall strike his father's crown into the hazard.
That was but civil war, an equal set.
More examples (1)
Thenceforth the Dowager, with a light and careless humour, often recounted to her particular acquaintance how, after a hard trial, she had found it impossible to know those people who belonged to Henry’s wife, and who had made that desperate set to catch him.
A tool for dressing forged iron.
Adjective
Fixed in position.
- Examples
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More examples (1)
Irregular bedtimes may disrupt healthy brain development in young children, according to a study of intelligence and sleeping habits. ¶ Going to bed at a different time each night affected girls more than boys, but both fared worse on mental tasks than children who had a set bedtime, researchers found.
Rigid, solidified.
Ready, prepared.
- Examples
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on your marks, get set, go!; on your marks, set, go!
Intent, determined (to do something).
- Examples
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set on getting to his destination
And she likes you so much, and thinks you so accomplished and distingué-looking, and was just as set as I was to have you for best man.
Prearranged.
- Examples
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a set menu
a set book
More examples (1)
The second level of reading we will call Inspectional Reading. It is characterized by its special emphasis on time. When reading at this level, the student is allowed a set time to complete an assigned amount of reading. He might be allowed fifteen minutes to read this book, for instance—or even a book twice as long.
Fixed in one’s opinion.
- Examples
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I’m set against the idea of smacking children to punish them.
Fixed in a certain style.
Usage- of hair
Noun
A young plant fit for setting out; a slip; shoot.
A rudimentary fruit.
The setting of the sun or other luminary; (by extension) the close of the day.
- Examples
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The weary sun hath made a golden set.
And a rose-bush leans upon, / Thou that faintly smilest still, / As a Naiad in a well, / Looking at the set of day, […]
General movement; direction; drift; tendency.
Usage- Figurative
- literally
- Examples
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More examples (2)
Here and there, amongst individuals alive to the particular evils of the age, and watching the very set of the current, there may have been even a more systematic counteraction applied to the mischief.
He put his eye to the alidade. “I thought so! Zero five four and that's allowing nothing for set and drift along the line of bearing. We're inside the departure point now[…]”
A matching collection of similar things. (Note the similar meaning in Etymology 2, Noun.)
- Examples
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a set of tables
A collection of various objects for a particular purpose.
- Examples
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a set of tools
An object made up of several parts.
- Examples
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a set of steps
A collection of zero or more objects, possibly infinite in size, and disregarding any order or repetition of the objects which may be contained within it.
Set theory.
Usage- Informal
- plural
A group of people, usually meeting socially or connected through some shared interest, activity, attribute, etc.
- Examples
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the country set
That he took perfumed baths is a truth; and he used to say that he took them after meeting certain men of a very low set in hall.
More examples (2)
“Good gracious, child, you didn't join the Theosophists and kiss Buddha's big toe, did you ? I tried to get into their set once, but they cast me out for a sceptic — without a chance of improving my poor little mind, too.”
They were very private people, though they did have their circle of friends at Bilignin. They had little or no association with the Natalie Barney set, in their eyes much too frivolous.
The scenery for a film or play.
The general locations and area where a movie’s, a film’s, or a video’s scenery is arranged to be filmed also including places for actors, assorted crew, director, producers which are typically not filmed.
The initial or basic formation of dancers.
A group of repetitions of a single exercise performed one after the other without rest.
- Examples
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Meronym: reps
This is the fourth set of benchpresses.
More examples (1)
The old practitioners we sometimes still see, though in far fewer numbers: still working out too hard, a lost expression on their faces as they rest between sets, as if unable to snap out of the broken promise.
A complete series of games, forming part of a match.
A complete series of points, forming part of a match.
The act of directing the ball to a teammate for an attack.
A musical performance by a band, disc jockey, etc., consisting of several musical pieces.
- Examples
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More examples (1)
You heard “oh, Jeremy Corbyn” everywhere: at the silent disco, during Radiohead’s Friday night headlining set, midway through the Other stage appearance by rapper Stormzy, who gamely joined in.
A drum kit, a drum set.
- Examples
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He plays the set on Saturdays.
A class group in a subject where pupils are divided by ability.
Usage- UK usage
- Examples
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More examples (1)
Looking at pupil attainment, the study found that students with the same Key Stage 3 scores could have their GCSE grade raised or lowered by up to half a grade as a result of being placed in a higher or lower set.
Three of a kind, especially if two cards are in one's hand and the third is on the board. Compare trips (“three of a kind, especially with two cards on the board and one in one's hand”).
Usage- Slang
Verb
To divide a class group in a subject according to ability
Usage- UK usage
- Examples
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More examples (1)
In setted classes, students are brought together because they are believed to be of similar 'ability'. Yet, setted lessons are often conducted as though students are not only similar, but identical—in terms of ability, preferred learning style and pace of working.
At Amber Hill, setting was a high-profile concept, and the students were frequently reminded of the set to which they belonged.
More examples (1)
Imagine a country where children do nothing but play until they start compulsory schooling at age seven. Then, without exception, they attend comprehensives until the age of 16. Charging school fees is illegal, and so is sorting pupils into ability groups by streaming or setting.
Adjective
(usually followed by ‘to’ or ‘for’) on the point of or strongly disposed
- Examples
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in no fit state to continue
fit to drop
More examples (4)
laughing fit to burst
she was fit to scream
primed for a fight
we are set to go at any time
fixed and unmoving
- Examples
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with eyes set in a fixed glassy stare
a face rigid with pain
situated in a particular spot or position
- Examples
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valuable centrally located urban land
strategically placed artillery
More examples (2)
a house set on a hilltop
nicely situated on a quiet riverbank
set down according to a plan
- Synonyms
- Examples
-
a carefully laid table with places set for four people
stones laid in a pattern
being below the horizon
- Examples
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the moon is set
determined or decided upon as by an authority
- Synonyms
- Examples
-
date and place are already determined
the dictated terms of surrender
More examples (1)
the time set for the launching
converted to solid form (as concrete)
- Synonyms
Noun
a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
- Broader terms
- Examples
-
a set of books
a set of golf clubs
More examples (1)
a set of teeth
(mathematics) an abstract collection of numbers or symbols
- Broader terms
- Examples
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the set of prime numbers is infinite
several exercises intended to be done in series
- Synonyms
- Examples
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he did four sets of the incline bench press
representation consisting of the scenery and other properties used to identify the location of a dramatic production
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
-
the sets were meticulously authentic
an unofficial association of people or groups
- Broader terms
- Examples
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the smart set goes there
they were an angry lot
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
-
the set of his mind was obvious
the act of putting something in position
- Examples
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he gave a final set to his hat
a unit of play in tennis or squash
- Broader terms
- Examples
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they played two sets of tennis after dinner
the process of becoming hard or solid by cooling or drying or crystallization
- Broader terms
- Examples
-
the hardening of concrete
he tested the set of the glue
the descent of a heavenly body below the horizon
- Examples
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before the set of sun
(psychology) being temporarily ready to respond in a particular way
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
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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
any electronic equipment that receives or transmits radio or tv signals
- Broader terms
- Examples
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the early sets ran on storage batteries
Verb
put into a certain place or abstract location
- Examples
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Put your things here
Set the tray down
More examples (2)
Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children
Place emphasis on a certain point
fix conclusively or authoritatively
- Synonyms
- Examples
-
set the rules
decide upon or fix definitely
- Examples
-
fix the variables
specify the parameters
establish as the highest level or best performance
- Synonyms
- Examples
-
set a record
put into a certain state; cause to be in a certain state
- Examples
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set the house afire
fix in a border
- Examples
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The goldsmith set the diamond
make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
- Examples
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Get the children ready for school!
prepare for war
More examples (1)
I was fixing to leave town after I paid the hotel bill
set to a certain position or cause to operate correctly
- Examples
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set clocks or instruments
locate
- Examples
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The film is set in Africa
disappear beyond the horizon
- Antonyms
- Examples
-
the sun sets early these days
adapt for performance in a different way
- Synonyms
- Examples
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set this poem to music
put or set (seeds, seedlings, or plants) into the ground
- Synonyms
- Examples
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Let's plant flowers in the garden
apply or start
- Examples
-
set fire to a building
become gelatinous
- Broader terms
- Examples
-
the liquid jelled after we added the enzyme
set in type
- Synonyms
- Examples
-
My book will be typeset nicely
set these words in italics
put into a position that will restore a normal state
- Examples
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set a broken bone
insert (a nail or screw below the surface, as into a countersink)
- Synonyms
give a fine, sharp edge to a knife or razor
- Broader terms
urge to attack someone
- Synonyms
- Examples
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The owner sicked his dogs on the intruders
the shaman sics sorcerers on the evil spirits
estimate
- Broader terms
- Examples
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We put the time of arrival at 8 P.M.
equip with sails or masts
- Examples
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rig a ship
get ready for a particular purpose or event
- Examples
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set up an experiment
set the table
More examples (1)
lay out the tools for the surgery
alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard
- Examples
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Adjust the clock, please
correct the alignment of the front wheels
produce fruit
- Synonyms
- Examples
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the apple trees fructify
arrange attractively
- Examples
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dress my hair for the wedding