set
1set
verb \ˈset\setset·ting
Definition of SET
transitive verb
1
: to cause to sit : place in or on a seat
2
a : to put (a fowl) on eggs to hatch them b : to put (eggs) for hatching under a fowl or into an incubator
3
: to place (oneself) in position to start running in a race
4
a : to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability <set a ladder against the wall> <set a stone on the grave> b : transplant 1 <set seedlings> c (1) : to make (as a trap) ready to catch prey (2) : to fix (a hook) firmly into the jaw of a fish d : to put aside (as dough containing yeast) for fermenting
5
: to direct with fixed attention <set your mind to it>
6
a : to cause to assume a specified condition, relation, or occupation <slaves were set free> <set the house on fire> b : to cause the start of <set a fire>
8
: to cause to assume a specified posture or position <set the door ajar>
9
10
: to fix or decide on as a time, limit, or regulation : prescribe <set a wedding day> <set the rules for the game>
11
a : to establish as the highest level or best performance <set a record for the half mile> b : to furnish as a pattern or model <set an example of generosity> c : to allot as a task <setting lessons for the children to work upon at home — Manchester Examiner>
12
a : to adjust (a device and especially a measuring device) to a desired position <set the alarm for 7:00> <set a thermostat at 68>; also : to adjust (as a clock) in conformity with a standard b : to restore to normal position or connection when dislocated or fractured <set a broken bone> c : to spread to the wind <set the sails>
13
a : to put in order for use <set a place for a guest> b : to make scenically ready for a performance <set the stage> c (1) : to arrange (type) for printing <set type by hand> (2) : to put into type or its equivalent (as on film) <set the first word in italic>
14
a : to put a fine edge on by grinding or honing <set a razor> b : to bend slightly the tooth points of (a saw) alternately in opposite directions c : to sink (the head of a nail) below the surface
15
: to fix in a desired position (as by heating or stretching)
16
: to arrange (hair) in a desired style by using implements (as curlers, rollers, or clips) and gels or lotions
17
18
a : to hold something in regard or esteem at the rate of <sets a great deal by daily exercise> b : to place in a relative rank or category <set duty before pleasure> c : to fix at a certain amount <set bail at $500> d : value, rate <their promises were set at naught> e : to place as an estimate of worth <set a high value on life>
19
: to place in relation for comparison or balance <theory set against practice>
20
a : to direct to action b : to incite to attack or antagonism <war sets brother against brother>
21
a : to place by transporting <was set ashore on the island> b : to put in motion c : to put and fix in a direction <set our faces toward home once more> d of a dog : to point out the position of (game) by holding a fixed attitude
22
: to defeat (an opponent or a contract) in bridge
23
a : to fix firmly : make immobile : give rigid form or condition to <set her jaw in determination> b : to make unyielding or obstinate
24
: to cause to become firm or solid <set milk for cheese>
25
: to cause (as fruit or seed) to develop
intransitive verb
1
chiefly dialect : sit
2
: to be becoming : be suitable : fit <the coat sets well>
3
: to cover and warm eggs to hatch them
4
a : to affect one with or as if with weight <the pudding sets heavily on my stomach> b : to place oneself in position in preparation for an action (as running)
5
of a plant part : to undergo development usually as a result of pollination
6
a : to pass below the horizon : go down <the sun sets> b : to come to an end <this century sets with little mirth — Thomas Fuller>
7
: to apply oneself to some activity <set to work>
8
9
of a dog : to indicate the position of game by crouching or pointing
10
: to dance face to face with another in a square dance <set to your partner and turn>
11
a : to become solid or thickened by chemical or physical alteration <the cement sets rapidly> b of a dye or color : to become permanent c of a bone : to become whole by growing together
— set about
: to begin to do
— set apart
1
: to reserve to a particular use
2
: to make noticeable or outstanding
— set aside
— set at
: to mount an attack on : assail <would go although … devils should set at me — Charlotte Yonge>
— set eyes on
: to catch sight of
— set foot in
: enter
— set foot on
: to step onto
— set forth
1
: to give an account or statement of
2
: to start out on a journey
— set forward
1
: further
2
: to start out on a journey
— set in motion
: to give impulse to <sets the story in motion vividly — Howard Thompson>
— set one's hand to
: to become engaged in
— set one's heart on
: resolve vt vt 5 <she set her heart on going to medical school>
— set one's house in order
: to organize one's affairs
— set one's sights on
: to determine to pursue
— set one straight
: to correct someone by providing accurate information
— set sail
: to start out on a course; especially : to begin a voyage <set sail for Bermuda>
— set store by or set store on
: to consider valuable, trustworthy, or worthwhile
— set the stage
: to provide the basis or background <this trend will set the stage for higher earnings>
— set to music
: to provide music or instrumental accompaniment for (a text)
— set upon
: to attack usually with violence <the dogs set upon the trespassers>
Examples of SET
- 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.
Origin of SET
Middle English setten, from Old English settan; akin to Old High German sezzen to set, Old English sittan to sit
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to SET
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