set

set1 [ set ] (past tense and past participle set) verb ***

▸ 1 put someone/something somewhere

▸ 2 make something happen

▸ 3 make equipment ready

▸ 4 decide time/place/value

▸ 5 establish way to do something

▸ 6 do something that influences

▸ 7 give someone something to do

▸ 8 put story in time/place

▸ 9 when sun goes down

▸ 10 position broken bone

▸ 11 liquid: become solid

▸ 12 have fixed expression

▸ 13 arrange wet hair

▸ 14 put jewel in jewelry

▸ 15 arrange letters to print

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) transitive set someone/something in/into/on/down/back etc. to put someone or something in a position:

Tea's ready, he told them and set down the tray.

She set the baby on the floor to play.

a ) transitive usually passive if something is set somewhere, it is in that place or position:

It's a traditional resort hotel, set in the rolling hills of West Virginia.

The bookcase was set into the wall.

Our house is set back from the road.

b ) to put someone or something in a particular state:

The suspect has been accused of setting the restaurant on fire.

set someone/something loose: Don't set the dog loose.

set someone/something free: The hostages have been set free after 34 days in captivity.

2. ) transitive to make something happen or make someone do something:

set someone/something doing something: His mysterious phone calls were bound to set them wondering.

set something in motion: That single photograph set his career as a photographer in motion.

3. ) transitive to make a piece of equipment ready to operate:

The bomb was set to go off at eight o'clock.

You can set it so that it does an automatic data backup at the end of each day.

a ) to change the time on a clock or the controls on a piece of equipment:

Can you help me set the VCR?

set something at something: Set the thermostat at 68 degrees.

set something for something: I'm setting the alarm for 6:30.

4. ) transitive to decide when or where an event will happen:

set a date/time (for something): Have they set a date for the wedding?

a ) to decide the price or value of something:

They set the price of the house too high.

The central bank is responsible for setting interest rates.

Parents shouldn't set too high a value on good grades.

Bail was set at $50,000.

5. ) transitive to establish a rule, standard, limit, etc. that people must follow:

The agreement sets clear targets and timetables for the reduction of carbon emissions.

set rules/conditions/guidelines/limits/criteria (for something): Opposition parties have set conditions for peace negotiations to begin.

set standards: Their professor sets high standards and expects everyone to meet them.

a ) set the standard to perform an activity at a level that other people have to try to achieve:

a company that sets the standard in overnight delivery

b ) set a record to do something faster, better, etc. than anyone has done before

6. ) transitive to do something that influences the way that other things are done or the way that other people behave:

set a tone/pattern/fashion/trend (for something): Her opening remarks set the tone for the whole conference.

It was one of the shows that set the trend for reality television.

a ) set an example (for someone) to behave in a way that someone can copy, especially by doing something good:

You should set an example for your younger brothers.

b ) set a precedent to make a way of doing something become generally accepted as correct by doing it a particular way the first time:

a ruling that would set a legal precedent

7. ) transitive to give something to someone to do or achieve:

set someone a goal/challenge/objective/task: You'll never get anywhere if you don't set yourself any goals.

a ) BRITISH to give students work to do as part of a course of study:

set someone something: I'm going to set you all an essay for the weekend.

b ) BRITISH to produce questions or an examination paper for students to answer:

They set us an absolutely impossible paper.

c ) set to work to start working, especially in a determined or enthusiastic way:

set on: I set to work on the mountain of paperwork on my desk.

set to work (on) doing something: After lunch, they set to work fixing the roof.

set to work to do something: He quickly set to work to build a shelter from the rain.

d ) set someone to work to make someone do work for you, especially when they do not want to do this:

Don't complain that you're bored, or Dad will set you to work.

set someone to work doing something: I've set them to work clearing out the garage.

8. ) transitive usually passive to write or produce a play, book, movie, etc. that happens in a particular time or place:

The film is set in 18th-century New England.

9. ) intransitive when the sun sets, it goes below the HORIZON at the end of the day

10. ) transitive to put the two ends of a broken bone back into the correct position so that they can grow into one piece again:

The doctor set my arm and put a cast on it.

1

a ) intransitive if a broken bone sets, the two ends of it grow into one piece again

11. ) intransitive or transitive if a liquid sets or if you set it, it forms a solid substance:

a type of concrete that sets in 15 minutes

12. ) intransitive or transitive if your face or a part of it sets into a particular expression, or if you set it into a particular expression, you have a fixed expression on your face:

His face set into a determined expression as he read the letter.

13. ) transitive to arrange wet hair in a particular style so that it keeps that style when it becomes dry

14. ) transitive usually passive to put a jewel or stone in a piece of jewelry:

a necklace set with rubies

15. ) transitive TECHNICAL to arrange letters and words on a special machine into the correct order so you can print something

set the stage for something

to create the conditions in which something is likely to happen:

The drivers' demands were rejected, setting the stage for a prolonged transportation strike.

set the table

to put all the dishes, forks, knives etc. needed for a meal onto a table

`set a,bout phrasal verb transitive

1. ) set about something to begin doing something, especially in a determined or enthusiastic way:

She set about the problem with her usual energy.

set about doing something: Donaghue set about resolving the problem of rehousing the victims.

2. ) set about someone OLD-FASHIONED to hit or kick someone many times

,set a`gainst phrasal verb transitive

1. ) set someone against someone to cause two people or groups to fight each other although they were in a friendly relationship before:

a bitter industrial dispute that had set worker against worker

2. ) set something against something to compare one thing with another:

The advantages of the new system must be set against its disadvantages.

,set a`part phrasal verb transitive

1. ) set someone/something apart to make someone or something different and special:

set apart from: Graf's natural athleticism set her apart from other tennis players.

2. ) often passive to keep something separate in order to use it for a particular purpose:

set apart for: Several acres of public land have been set apart for recreation.

,set a`side phrasal verb transitive

1. ) to keep or save something from a larger amount or supply in order to use it later for a particular purpose:

set aside for: Have you set aside some money for your child's education?

2. ) to not let a particular feeling, opinion, or belief influence you, in order to achieve something more important:

They agreed to set aside their differences and work together for peace.

3. ) to officially state that a particular legal decision will no longer be followed:

The Supreme Court has set aside the lower court's ruling.

,set `back phrasal verb transitive

1. ) to delay the progress of someone or something:

The spending cuts have set the research project back several years.

2. ) set someone back something INFORMAL to cost someone a particular amount of money, especially a large amount:

Jim's new Mercedes must have set him back a bundle.

,set `down phrasal verb transitive

1. ) FORMAL to state officially how something should be done:

These conditions were set down by the United Nations.

2. ) to write something on a piece of paper so that it will not be forgotten and can be looked at later:

She set all these events down in her diary.

3. ) MAINLY BRITISH to consider something in a particular way:

He set the whole experience down as a failure.

4. ) BRITISH FORMAL to stop a vehicle so that a passenger can get out

,set `forth phrasal verb

1. ) intransitive LITERARY to leave on a trip

2. ) transitive FORMAL to explain or describe something in a clear and detailed way, especially in writing:

This memorandum sets forth basic departmental policies.

,set `in phrasal verb intransitive

if something unpleasant sets in, it starts to happen and have an effect, and is not likely to stop for a long time:

Let's get inside the rain's set in for the day.

Shortly after the business started, a long economic downturn set in.

,set `off phrasal verb

1. ) intransitive to leave on a trip or start going somewhere:

We set off early the next morning.

2. ) transitive to cause something to operate, especially by accident:

Jeff pushed open the front door, which set off the alarm.

3. ) transitive to make something explode:

Somebody was setting off firecrackers down the street.

4. ) transitive to cause a situation or a series of events to happen, especially without intending to:

He fears that the election could set off mass protests.

5. ) transitive usually passive to make someone or something look more attractive by being clearly different from them:

Her plain blue dress was set off by a feather-trimmed hat.

6. ) transitive set someone off to make someone start to laugh, cry, or talk a lot:

Just mentioning her father's death could set her off again.

,set `off a,gainst phrasal verb transitive

set something off against something to compare one thing with another:

The quality of the facilities must be set off against the cost of using them.

`set on phrasal verb transitive

1. ) set someone/something on someone/something BRITISH to tell a person or animal to attack another person or animal:

Leave now or I'll set the dogs on you.

2. ) usually passive set on someone/something to attack someone or something

,set `out phrasal verb

1. ) intransitive to leave on a trip:

After a three-day rest, the travelers set out again.

2. ) transitive to explain, describe, or arrange something in a clear and detailed way, especially in writing:

In his report he sets out his plans for the department.

3. ) transitive to put something where it can be seen or used:

merchants setting out their wares

4. ) intransitive to start doing or working on something in order to achieve a goal:

set out on: When we set out on this project, we knew it would be difficult.

set out to do something: Are you suggesting that he deliberately set out to sabotage your work?

,set `to phrasal verb intransitive OLD-FASHIONED

to start doing something in a determined or enthusiastic way

,set `up phrasal verb

1. ) intransitive or transitive to start something such as a business, organization, or institution:

The group plans to set up an import business.

Rebels have set up an independent state within the country.

set up shop (=start a business): Hewlett and Packard set up shop in the now legendary garage in downtown Palo Alto.

a ) transitive to make it possible for someone to start a business, organization, or institution:

set someone up in business: a privileged kid whose father set him up in business

2. ) transitive to organize or plan something such as an event or system:

Have your secretary set up a meeting for Thursday.

The program will set up a regional library system.

3. ) transitive to build a structure or put it in a particular place:

Police have set up an emergency medical unit outside the building.

set up a roadblock: The army set up roadblocks to stop people trying to escape.

4. ) transitive set up something to make something start to happen:

Their negligence set up a chain reaction that resulted in extensive damage.

5. ) intransitive or transitive to make a piece of equipment ready for use:

While the band is setting up, would you check on the food?

The kids are setting up the volleyball net.

Will you be able to set up my PC?

6. ) transitive INFORMAL to arrange a situation so that someone is blamed for doing something, especially something illegal:

She claims she's innocent and someone set her up.

7. ) transitive BRITISH to prepare someone for something

8. ) transitive MAINLY BRITISH to put someone in a position of power:

set someone up as something: a plan to set him up as party leader

set up camp

1. ) to put a tent in an upright position or build a shelter somewhere:

We set up camp for the night near the river.

2. ) to put your possessions or equipment in a particular place so you can live, work, or spend a lot of time there:

She set up camp in the kitchen while they painted the bedroom.

set someone up for life

to provide someone with enough money so that they do not have to work for the rest of their life:

a trust fund that set her up for life

set up house/home

to begin living in a particular place or with a particular person:

After graduation, we decided to set up house together.

set yourself up as something

to claim to be something you are not:

He sets himself up as some kind of a financial expert.

`set u,pon phrasal verb transitive usually passive

set upon someone/something to attack someone or something

set

set 2 [ set ] noun ***

▸ 1 group of things

▸ 2 group of people

▸ 3 piece of equipment

▸ 4 part of tennis match

▸ 5 stage/scenery

▸ 6 arranging wet hair

▸ 7 way someone stand/sits/looks

▸ 8 becoming solid

▸ 9 in mathematics

▸ 10 for producing plants

▸ 11 where badger lives

1. ) count a group of things of the same type that belong together:

set of: a set of keys

a complete set of Pokemon cards

a ) a group of different objects that are used together for a particular purpose:

a chess set

set of: a set of tools

b ) a number of ideas, rules, facts, or principles that form a group:

set of: The papers printed a fresh set of allegations against the ex-President.

a set of guidelines/rules/instructions: The tax department provides a set of guidelines for new business start-ups.

c ) a particular number of times that an exercise or a group of exercises is repeated:

Do three sets of the exercises I gave you last week.

d ) a series of songs that a band or singer plays or sings in a performance:

The band is taking a 15 minute break between sets.

2. ) count a group of people who spend time together or share an interest:

your social set

New York's literary set

set of: He's made a completely new set of friends at college.

3. ) count a piece of equipment that receives television or radio signals:

a TV set

4. ) count in tennis and some other sports, a part of a match consisting of at least six games:

Sampras took the first set 6 2.

5. ) count a stage or other place where a movie or television program is made or where a play is performed

a ) the SCENERY and furniture used in a movie, play, or television program to make the stage look like a particular place

6. ) singular the process of arranging wet hair in a particular style so that it keeps that style when it becomes dry:

a shampoo and set: She has a shampoo and set every week.

7. ) singular the position in which someone stands or sits or holds part of their body:

the determined set of her jaw

8. ) singular the condition of becoming firm or solid

9. ) count TECHNICAL a group of numbers in mathematics

10. ) count a young plant, or a part of a plant used for producing new plants

11. ) count a SETT where a BADGER lives

set

set 3 [ set ] adjective *

▸ 1 already decided/agreed

▸ 2 ready to do something

▸ 3 likely to do something

▸ 4 not willing to change

▸ 5 not changing

▸ 6 meal: of limited choice

▸ 7 necessary to study

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) usually before noun already decided or agreed:

There's no set time limit on this just finish it when you can.

He charges a set fee for his services.

2. ) never before noun ready to do something:

get set: On your marks, get set, go!

set for: The top contenders are set for the showdown at next week's championship.

be all set (for something): Are you set for the party tonight?

be all set to do something: I was all set to do it myself when he finally showed up.

3. ) never before noun likely to do something:

set for: The museum is set for a major expansion.

be set to do something: The costs of many imports are set to rise under the new trade proposals.

look set to do something: Rosenthal looks set to miss the game because of injury.

4. ) not willing to change your opinion or way of doing things:

be set in your ways: He's old and stubborn and set in his ways.

a ) used about people's ideas or behavior:

She has very set ideas about how to raise children.

5. ) only before noun a set smile or expression does not change, and often hides what someone is really thinking:

Iris stared in front of her with a set expression, making no response.

6. ) only before noun a set meal in a restaurant or hotel offers a limited choice of different foods for a fixed price:

Dinner is a set menu of three courses.

7. ) only before noun MAINLY BRITISH a set book or TEXT contains information that students must study before an examination

I'm all set AMERICAN SPOKEN

used for saying that you do not need anything, especially food, when someone offers you something

(dead) set against something

completely opposed to something:

We are absolutely set against the tax increase.

(dead) set against doing something: She's dead set against giving the kids junk food.

set for life

someone who is set for life has so much money that they never need to work again

set on/upon (doing) something

determined to do or have something:

So you're definitely set on a career in medicine?