verb
sets; set; setting
always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj]
to put (something) in a place or position
to put (something) into the surface of something
to attach (something, such as a jewel) to a piece of jewelry or other decoration
always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] :to cause the action of (a film, story, etc.) to happen in a certain place or during a certain time - often used as (be) set
[+ obj] to make (something) ready to be used :to put (something) in a position to be used
to put plates, forks, spoons, knives, etc., on a table before serving a meal
[+ obj] :to cause (a clock) to show a particular time
[+ obj] :to decide on or choose (something)
[+ obj] to give (a particular price or value) to something
to give (a high value or importance) to something
[+ obj] to cause (something) to be accepted as an example, rule, etc. :to establish (a standard, trend, etc.) for others to follow or try to copy
to establish (a record) as the performance or achievement that is the best of its kind
[+ obj] :to cause (someone or something) to be in a specified condition
to cause (someone or something) to start doing something [+ obj]
[+ obj] Brit :to give (someone) a particular job :to require someone to do (a task)
[no obj] of the sun or moon :to move down in the sky and go below the horizon
[+ obj] :to put and hold (your jaw, mouth, etc.) firmly into a certain position
[no obj] of a liquid :to become thick or hard
to become permanent [no obj]
to put (a broken bone) into its normal position so it can heal [+ obj]
[+ obj] :to give a particular style to (someone's hair) by wetting it, putting it in curlers or clips, and drying it
[+ obj] :to type or print (a word, sentence, etc.) in a particular form or style
[+ obj] :to add music to (words) :to create (music) to accompany words - usually + to
set about
[phrasal verb]
set about (something) :to begin to do (something)
set against
[phrasal verb]
set (something) against (something)
to compare (something) to (something else)
b Brit :to list (something) as an expense in order to reduce (income for which you must pay tax)
set (yourself) against (someone or something) :to decide that you do not support (something or someone) :to be or become opposed to (something or someone)
set (someone) against (someone) :to cause (someone) to disagree with or oppose (someone)
set apart
[phrasal verb]
set (someone or something) apart :to be a quality that makes (someone or something) better than or different from other people or things - usually + from
set (something) apart :to keep or save (something) for a particular purpose - often used as (be) set apart; usually + for
set aside
[phrasal verb]
set (something) aside or set aside (something)
to move (something) to the side because you are not working on it, dealing with it, etc.
to keep or save (something) for a particular purpose
to stop thinking about, talking about, or being affected by (something)
law :to change or reverse (a legal decision, conviction, etc.)
set back
[phrasal verb]
set (something or someone) back or set back (something or someone) :to make the progress of (something or someone) slower or more difficult :to cause (something or someone) to go back to an earlier or worse condition
set (someone) back informal :2cost
set down
[phrasal verb]
set down (something) :to create or establish (a rule, requirement, etc.)
set (something) down or set down (something)
to record (something) by writing it down
to land (an airplane) on the ground or water
set (someone) down :to allow (someone) to get off a bus, airplane, etc.
set eyes on
set foot in/on
set forth
[phrasal verb]
literary :to begin a journey
set forth (something) or set (something) forth formal :to explain or describe (something) in an organized way
set forward
[phrasal verb]
set (something) forward or set forward (something) :to explain or describe (something) so that it can be considered
set in
[phrasal verb]
to begin to be present, seen, etc. - used of something unpleasant or unwanted that often lasts for a long time
set in stone
set loose
see let loose at 2loose
set off
[phrasal verb]
to begin traveling in a particular direction
set off (something) also set (something) off :to cause (something) to start or happen
set off (something) or set (something) off
to cause (something) to begin making noise
to cause (fireworks, a bomb, etc.) to explode
to make (something) easy to see or notice
set (someone) off :to cause (someone) to suddenly start yelling, crying, laughing, etc.
set on
[phrasal verb]
set (someone or something) on (someone) :to make (a person or animal) suddenly attack (someone)
set out
[phrasal verb]
to begin traveling in a particular direction
to start doing something :to begin an activity or effort with a particular plan or purpose
set (something) out or set out (something)
to explain or describe (something)
to move and organize (a group of things) so that they can be seen or used
set pen to paper
set sail
set the pace
set the record straight
set the scene
set the stage
set to
[phrasal verb] Brit literary :to begin doing something in an active and serious way
set up
[phrasal verb]
to prepare for something by putting things where they need to be
set up (something) or set (something) up
to create or establish (something) for a particular purpose
to arrange and plan (an event or activity)
to put (something) in an upright position
to make (a machine, system, etc.) ready to be used
set (someone) up or set up (someone)
to cause (someone) to be in a bad situation or to appear guilty
b Brit :to help (someone) feel healthy and full of energy
to give (someone) a job, a place to live, etc.
to do something that makes it likely or possible for (someone) to do, get, or experience something
usually + for
to cause (someone) to meet someone in order to start a romantic relationship
set (yourself) up as (something)
to try to make people believe that you are (something)
b also set up as (something) or set up in (something) :to start your own business
set up house
set upon
[phrasal verb]
set (someone or something) upon (someone) :to attack (someone or something) - often used as (be) set upon
set up shop
set your heart on
set your mind to
set your teeth on edge
noun
plural sets
[count] a group of similar things that belong together - often + of
a group of things that are used together
[count] :a piece of electronic equipment
[count] a place where a movie or television program is filmed or a play is performed
the rooms, painted backgrounds, furniture, etc., that are used for a scene in a movie, television program, or play
[count] :one of the parts into which a tennis or volleyball match is divided :a group of tennis or volleyball games
[count] :a group of songs or pieces that a musician or band performs at a concert
[singular] somewhat old-fashioned :a group of people who have similar interests or characteristics
[count] Brit :a group of students who perform at the same level in a particular subject
[count] mathematics :a group of numbers, points, etc.
[count] :the number of times that you perform a group of repeated movements when you exercise
[singular] :the way you move or hold your body, shoulders, etc.
[count] :a small bulb that you use to grow a new plant
adjective
having a particular position or location
particular and not changing - used to describe something that has been decided by someone with authority
[more ~; most ~] :not likely to change
of a person's face or expression :in a firm position that does not move or change
not used before a noun informal :ready or prepared for something
not used before a noun :scheduled or supposed to happen at a certain time - often + for
be set against
to feel strongly that you do not want (something) or will not do (something)
be set on
to feel strongly that you want (something) or will do (something)
(get) ready, (get) set, go
have your heart set on
have your mind set on
set in stone
US