Set - definition, pronunciation, transcription

Amer. |set|

Brit. |set|

irregular verb: p.t. — set p.p. — set

noun

- a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used

a set of books
a set of golf clubs
a set of teeth

- (mathematics) an abstract collection of numbers or symbols

the set of prime numbers is infinite

- several exercises intended to be done in series

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

the sets were meticulously authentic

- an unofficial association of people or groups (syn: band, circle, lot)

the smart set goes there

- a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way (syn: bent)

the set of his mind was obvious

- the act of putting something in position

he gave a final set to his hat

- a unit of play in tennis or squash

they played two sets of tennis after dinner

- the process of becoming hard or solid by cooling or drying or crystallization (syn: curing, solidification)

he tested the set of the glue

- evil Egyptian god with the head of a beast that has high square ears and a long snout; brother and murderer of Osiris
- the descent of a heavenly body below the horizon

before the set of sun

- (psychology) being temporarily ready to respond in a particular way (syn: readiness)

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

the early sets ran on storage batteries

verb

- put into a certain place or abstract location (syn: lay, place, pose, position, put)
- fix conclusively or authoritatively (syn: determine)

set the rules

- decide upon or fix definitely (syn: define, determine, fix, limit, specify)
- establish as the highest level or best performance (syn: mark)

set a record

- put into a certain state; cause to be in a certain state

set the house afire

- fix in a border

The goldsmith set the diamond

- make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc (syn: fix, gear up, prepare, ready, set up)
- set to a certain position or cause to operate correctly

set clocks or instruments

- locate (syn: localise, localize, place)

The film is set in Africa

- disappear beyond the horizon (syn: go down, go under)

the sun sets early these days

- adapt for performance in a different way (syn: arrange)

set this poem to music

- put or set (seeds, seedlings, or plants) into the ground (syn: plant)
- apply or start

set fire to a building

- become gelatinous (syn: congeal, jell)
- set in type

My book will be typeset nicely
set these words in italics

- put into a position that will restore a normal state

set a broken bone

- insert (a nail or screw below the surface, as into a countersink) (syn: countersink)
- give a fine, sharp edge to a knife or razor
- urge to attack someone (syn: sic)
- estimate (syn: place, put)
- equip with sails or masts (syn: rig, set up)
- get ready for a particular purpose or event (syn: lay out, set up)

set up an experiment
set the table

- alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard (syn: adjust, correct)
- bear fruit (syn: fructify)
- arrange attractively (syn: arrange, coif, coiffure, do, dress)

adjective

- (usually followed by `to' or `for') on the point of or strongly disposed (syn: fit)

we are set to go at any time

- fixed and unmoving (syn: fixed, rigid)

with eyes set in a fixed glassy stare
his bearded face already has a set hollow look

- situated in a particular spot or position (syn: located, placed, situated)

a house set on a hilltop

- set down according to a plan (syn: laid)

a carefully laid table with places set for four people

- being below the horizon

the moon is set

- determined or decided upon as by an authority (syn: determined)

the time set for the launching

- converted to solid form (as concrete) (syn: hardened)

Extra examples

We need to set some extra chairs around the table.

He set the ladder against the wall and walked away.

I remember setting my bag right here.

They set the bricks along the walkway.

The jeweler can set the stone several different ways.

He turned off the car and set the parking brake.

Rangers will set a trap to catch the bear.

We set an extra place at the table for our guest.

I need to buy a new set of golf clubs.

The kids are allowed to watch two hours of television. After that, I turn off the set.

We met on the set of Hamlet.

Her college is set in the countryside.

Their house is set back from the road.

A man with deep-set eyes

She has very set ideas about how children should behave.

Phrasal verbs

set about — begin to deal with
set apart — select something or someone for a specific purpose
set aside — give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
set back — hold back to a later time
set down — put down in writing; of texts, musical compositions, etc.

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Word forms

verb
I/you/we/they: set
he/she/it: sets
present participle: setting
past tense: set
past participle: set

noun
singular: set
plural: sets