set
din|ner|ware set (dinnerware sets)
[N-COUNT]
A dinnerware set is the same as a dinner service. (AM)jet set
also jet-set
[N-SING] usu the N
You can refer to rich and successful people who live in a luxurious way as the jet set.
The winter sports bring the jet set from England.set against
1 [PHRASAL VERB] be V-ed P n, also V n P n
If one argument or fact is set against another, it is considered in relation to it.
These are relatively small points when set against her expertise on so many other issues...
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P n
To set one person against another means to cause them to become enemies or rivals.
The case has set neighbour against neighbour in the village.set apart
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P from n, V n P
If a characteristic sets you apart from other people, it makes you different from the others in a noticeable way.
What sets it apart from hundreds of similar small French towns is the huge factory...
Li blends right into the crowd of teenagers. Only his accent sets him apart.set aside
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V P n (not pron)
If you set something aside for a special use or purpose, you keep it available for that use or purpose.
Some doctors advise setting aside a certain hour each day for worry...
£130 million would be set aside for repairs to schools.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If you set aside a belief, principle, or feeling, you decide that you will not be influenced by it.
He urged them to set aside minor differences for the sake of peace.set back
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
If something sets you back or sets back a project or scheme, it causes a delay.
It has set us back in so many respects that I'm not sure how long it will take for us to catch up...
There will be a risk of public protest that could set back reforms.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P amount
If something sets you back a certain amount of money, it costs you that much money. (INFORMAL)
In 1981 dinner for two in New York would set you back £5.
3
see also setbackset down
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If a committee or organization sets down rules for doing something, it decides what they should be and officially records them.
The Convention set down rules for deciding which country should deal with an asylum request.
= lay down
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If you set down your thoughts or experiences, you write them all down.
Old Walter is setting down his memories of village life.
= write downset forth
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If you set forth a number of facts, beliefs, or arguments, you explain them in writing or speech in a clear, organized way. (FORMAL)
Dr. Mesibov set forth the basis of his approach to teaching students.
= set outset in
[PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P
If something unpleasant sets in, it begins and seems likely to continue or develop.
Then disappointment sets in as they see the magic is no longer there...
Winter is setting in and the population is facing food and fuel shortages.set off
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P prep/adv, V P
When you set off, you start a journey.
Nichols set off for his remote farmhouse in Connecticut...
I set off, full of optimism.
= set out
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
If something sets off something such as an alarm or a bomb, it makes it start working so that, for example, the alarm rings or the bomb explodes.
Any escape, once it's detected, sets off the alarm...
It could take months before evidence emerges on how the bomb was made, and who set it off.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If something sets off an event or a series of events, it causes it to start happening.
The arrival of the charity van set off a minor riot as villagers scrambled for a share of the aid...set on
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P n
To set animals on someone means to cause the animals to attack them.
They brought the young men in and set the dogs on them.set out
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P prep/adv
When you set out, you start a journey.
When setting out on a long walk, always wear suitable boots.
= set off
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to-inf
If you set out to do something, you start trying to do it.
He has achieved what he set out to do three years ago...
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you set things out, you arrange or display them somewhere.
Set out the cakes attractively, using lacy doilies.
= arrange
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you set out a number of facts, beliefs, or arguments, you explain them in writing or speech in a clear, organized way.
He has written a letter to The Times setting out his views...set piece (set pieces)
also set-piece
1 [N-COUNT] oft N n
A set piece is an occasion such as a battle or a move in a game of football that is planned and carried out in an ordered way.
Guerrillas avoid fighting set-piece battles...
2 [N-COUNT]
A set piece is a part of a film, novel, or piece of music which has a strong dramatic effect and which is often not an essential part of the main story.
...the film's martial arts set pieces.set up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
If you set something up, you create or arrange it.
The two sides agreed to set up a commission to investigate claims...
Tell us when and why you started your business and how you went about setting it up.
● setting up [N-UNCOUNT] usu N of n
The British government announced the setting up of a special fund.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you set up a temporary structure, you place it or build it somewhere.
They took to the streets, setting up roadblocks of burning tyres...
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you set up a device or piece of machinery, you do the things that are necessary for it to be able to start working.
I set up the computer so that they could work from home.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P prep/adv, V pron-refl P prep/adv, V n P prep/adv
If you set up somewhere or set yourself up somewhere, you establish yourself in a new business or new area.
The mayor's scheme offers incentives to firms setting up in lower Manhattan...
He worked as a dance instructor in London before setting himself up in Bucharest...
Grandfather set them up in a liquor business.
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you set up home or set up shop, you buy a house or business of your own and start living or working there.
They married, and set up home in Ramsgate.
6 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If something sets up something such as a process, it creates it or causes it to begin.
The secondary current sets up a magnetic field inside the tube...
7 [PHRASAL VERB] be V-ed P, V n P
If you are set up by someone, they make it seem that you have done something wrong when you have not. (INFORMAL)
He claimed he had been set up after drugs were discovered at his home...
Maybe Angelo tried to set us up.
8
see also set-upset upon
[PHRASAL VERB] usu passive, be V-ed P
If you are set upon by people, they make a sudden and unexpected physical attack on you.
We were set upon by about twelve youths and I was kicked unconscious.♦♦♦ set1 /s'et/ (set sets) NOUN USES
1 [N-COUNT] oft N of n
A set of things is a number of things that belong together or that are thought of as a group.
There must be one set of laws for the whole of the country...
I might need a spare set of clothes...
The computer repeats a set of calculations...
Only she and Mr Cohen had complete sets of keys to the shop...
The mattress and base are normally bought as a set.
...a chess set.
2 [N-COUNT] oft supp N
In tennis, a set is one of the groups of six or more games that form part of a match.
Graf was leading 5-1 in the first set.
3 [N-COUNT]
In mathematics, a set is a group of mathematical quantities that have some characteristic in common.
4 [N-COUNT]
A band's or musician's set is the group of songs or tunes that they perform at a concert.
The band continued with their set after a short break...
5 [N-SING] supp N
You can refer to a group of people as a set if they meet together socially or have the same interests and lifestyle.
He belonged to what the press called `The Chelsea Set'.
see also jet set
6 [N-COUNT] also on/off N
The set for a play, film, or television show is the furniture and scenery that is on the stage when the play is being performed or in the studio where filming takes place.
From the first moment he got on the set, he wanted to be a director too...
...his stage sets for the Folies Bergeres.
7 [N-SING] usu the N of n
The set of someone's face or part of their body is the way that it is fixed in a particular expression or position, especially one that shows determination.
Matt looked at Hugh and saw the stubbornness in the set of his shoulders...
8 [N-COUNT] oft supp N
A set is an appliance. For example, a television set is a television.
Children spend so much time in front of the television set...♦♦♦ set2 /s'et/ (set sets setting) VERB AND ADJECTIVE USES
The form set is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle of the verb.
Please look at category 25 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [VERB] V n prep, V n with adv
If you set something somewhere, you put it there, especially in a careful or deliberate way.
He took the case out of her hand and set it on the floor...
When he set his glass down he spilled a little drink.
= put, place
2 [ADJ] v-link ADJ prep/adv
If something is set in a particular place or position, it is in that place or position.
The castle is set in 25 acres of beautiful grounds...
= situated
3 [ADJ] v-link ADJ prep/adv
If something is set into a surface, it is fixed there and does not stick out.
The man unlocked a gate set in a high wall and let me through...
4 [VERB] V n -ing, V n -ing, be V-ed adj/adv, V n with prep
You can use set to say that a person or thing causes another person or thing to be in a particular condition or situation. For example, to set someone free means to cause them to be free, and to set something going means to cause it to start working.
Set the kitchen timer going...
A phrase from the conference floor set my mind wandering...
Dozens of people have been injured and many vehicles set on fire...
Churchill immediately set into motion a daring plan.
5 [VERB] V n adv/prep, V n
When you set a clock or control, you adjust it to a particular point or level.
Set the volume as high as possible...
I forgot to set my alarm and I overslept.
6 [VERB] V n, V n
If you set a date, price, goal, or level, you decide what it will be.
The conference chairman has set a deadline of noon tomorrow...
A date will be set for a future meeting...
7 [VERB] V n on n/-ing
If you set a certain value on something, you think it has that value.
She sets a high value on autonomy...
8 [VERB] V n, V n
If you set something such as a record, an example, or a precedent, you do something that people will want to copy or try to achieve.
Legal experts said her case would not set a precedent because it was an out-of-court settlement...
A new world marathon record of 2 hrs, 8 min, 5 sec, was set by Stephen Jones of Great Britain...
9 [VERB] V n n
If someone sets you a task or aim or if you set yourself a task or aim, you need to succeed in doing it.
I have to plan my academic work very rigidly and set myself clear objectives...
10 [VERB] V n
To set an examination or a question paper means to decide what questions will be asked in it. (BRIT; in AM, usually use make up)
He broke with the tradition of setting examinations in Latin.
11 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
You use set to describe something which is fixed and cannot be changed.
Investors can apply for a package of shares at a set price...
12 [ADJ] ADJ n
A set book must be studied by students taking a particular course. (BRIT; in AM, use required)
One of the set books is Jane Austen's Emma.
13 [ADJ] v-link ADJ prep/adv
If a play, film, or story is set in a particular place or period of time, the events in it take place in that place or period.
The play is set in a small Midwestern town.
14 [ADJ] v-link ADJ to-inf
If you are set to do something, you are ready to do it or are likely to do it. If something is set to happen, it is about to happen or likely to happen.
Roberto Baggio was set to become one of the greatest players of all time...
15 [ADJ] v-link ADJ on/against n/-ing
If you are set on something, you are strongly determined to do or have it. If you are set against something, you are strongly determined not to do or have it.
She was set on going to an all-girls school...
16 [VERB] V n
If you set your face or jaw, you put on a fixed expression of determination.
Instead, she set her jaw grimly and waited in silence...
17 [VERB] V
When something such as jelly, melted plastic, or cement sets, it becomes firm or hard.
You can add ingredients to these desserts as they begin to set...
18 [VERB] V, V-ing
When the sun sets, it goes below the horizon.
They watched the sun set behind the distant dales.
...the red glow of the setting sun.
19 [VERB] V n for n
To set a trap means to prepare it to catch someone or something.
He seemed to think I was setting some sort of trap for him...
20 [VERB]
When someone sets the table, they prepare it for a meal by putting plates and cutlery on it.
= lay
21 [VERB] V n to n
If someone sets a poem or a piece of writing to music, they write music for the words to be sung to.
He has attracted much interest by setting ancient religious texts to music.
22
see also setting, set-to
23 [PHRASE] V inflects
If someone sets the scene or sets the stage for an event to take place, they make preparations so that it can take place.
The Democrat convention has set the scene for a ferocious election campaign this autumn...
24 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that someone is set in their ways, you are being critical of the fact that they have fixed habits and ideas which they will not easily change, even though they may be old-fashioned.
25
to set eyes on something: see eye
to set fire to something: see fire
to set foot somewhere: see foot
to set your heart on something: see heart
to set sail: see sail
to set great store by or on something: see store
to set to work: see worktea set (tea sets)
[N-COUNT]
A tea set is a set of cups, saucers, and plates, with a milk jug, sugar bowl, and teapot.
[N-COUNT]
A dinnerware set is the same as a dinner service. (AM)jet set
also jet-set
[N-SING] usu the N
You can refer to rich and successful people who live in a luxurious way as the jet set.
The winter sports bring the jet set from England.set against
1 [PHRASAL VERB] be V-ed P n, also V n P n
If one argument or fact is set against another, it is considered in relation to it.
These are relatively small points when set against her expertise on so many other issues...
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P n
To set one person against another means to cause them to become enemies or rivals.
The case has set neighbour against neighbour in the village.set apart
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P from n, V n P
If a characteristic sets you apart from other people, it makes you different from the others in a noticeable way.
What sets it apart from hundreds of similar small French towns is the huge factory...
Li blends right into the crowd of teenagers. Only his accent sets him apart.set aside
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V P n (not pron)
If you set something aside for a special use or purpose, you keep it available for that use or purpose.
Some doctors advise setting aside a certain hour each day for worry...
£130 million would be set aside for repairs to schools.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If you set aside a belief, principle, or feeling, you decide that you will not be influenced by it.
He urged them to set aside minor differences for the sake of peace.set back
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
If something sets you back or sets back a project or scheme, it causes a delay.
It has set us back in so many respects that I'm not sure how long it will take for us to catch up...
There will be a risk of public protest that could set back reforms.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P amount
If something sets you back a certain amount of money, it costs you that much money. (INFORMAL)
In 1981 dinner for two in New York would set you back £5.
3
see also setbackset down
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If a committee or organization sets down rules for doing something, it decides what they should be and officially records them.
The Convention set down rules for deciding which country should deal with an asylum request.
= lay down
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If you set down your thoughts or experiences, you write them all down.
Old Walter is setting down his memories of village life.
= write downset forth
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If you set forth a number of facts, beliefs, or arguments, you explain them in writing or speech in a clear, organized way. (FORMAL)
Dr. Mesibov set forth the basis of his approach to teaching students.
= set outset in
[PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P
If something unpleasant sets in, it begins and seems likely to continue or develop.
Then disappointment sets in as they see the magic is no longer there...
Winter is setting in and the population is facing food and fuel shortages.set off
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P prep/adv, V P
When you set off, you start a journey.
Nichols set off for his remote farmhouse in Connecticut...
I set off, full of optimism.
= set out
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
If something sets off something such as an alarm or a bomb, it makes it start working so that, for example, the alarm rings or the bomb explodes.
Any escape, once it's detected, sets off the alarm...
It could take months before evidence emerges on how the bomb was made, and who set it off.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If something sets off an event or a series of events, it causes it to start happening.
The arrival of the charity van set off a minor riot as villagers scrambled for a share of the aid...set on
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P n
To set animals on someone means to cause the animals to attack them.
They brought the young men in and set the dogs on them.set out
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P prep/adv
When you set out, you start a journey.
When setting out on a long walk, always wear suitable boots.
= set off
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to-inf
If you set out to do something, you start trying to do it.
He has achieved what he set out to do three years ago...
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you set things out, you arrange or display them somewhere.
Set out the cakes attractively, using lacy doilies.
= arrange
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you set out a number of facts, beliefs, or arguments, you explain them in writing or speech in a clear, organized way.
He has written a letter to The Times setting out his views...set piece (set pieces)
also set-piece
1 [N-COUNT] oft N n
A set piece is an occasion such as a battle or a move in a game of football that is planned and carried out in an ordered way.
Guerrillas avoid fighting set-piece battles...
2 [N-COUNT]
A set piece is a part of a film, novel, or piece of music which has a strong dramatic effect and which is often not an essential part of the main story.
...the film's martial arts set pieces.set up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
If you set something up, you create or arrange it.
The two sides agreed to set up a commission to investigate claims...
Tell us when and why you started your business and how you went about setting it up.
● setting up [N-UNCOUNT] usu N of n
The British government announced the setting up of a special fund.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you set up a temporary structure, you place it or build it somewhere.
They took to the streets, setting up roadblocks of burning tyres...
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you set up a device or piece of machinery, you do the things that are necessary for it to be able to start working.
I set up the computer so that they could work from home.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P prep/adv, V pron-refl P prep/adv, V n P prep/adv
If you set up somewhere or set yourself up somewhere, you establish yourself in a new business or new area.
The mayor's scheme offers incentives to firms setting up in lower Manhattan...
He worked as a dance instructor in London before setting himself up in Bucharest...
Grandfather set them up in a liquor business.
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you set up home or set up shop, you buy a house or business of your own and start living or working there.
They married, and set up home in Ramsgate.
6 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If something sets up something such as a process, it creates it or causes it to begin.
The secondary current sets up a magnetic field inside the tube...
7 [PHRASAL VERB] be V-ed P, V n P
If you are set up by someone, they make it seem that you have done something wrong when you have not. (INFORMAL)
He claimed he had been set up after drugs were discovered at his home...
Maybe Angelo tried to set us up.
8
see also set-upset upon
[PHRASAL VERB] usu passive, be V-ed P
If you are set upon by people, they make a sudden and unexpected physical attack on you.
We were set upon by about twelve youths and I was kicked unconscious.♦♦♦ set1 /s'et/ (set sets) NOUN USES
1 [N-COUNT] oft N of n
A set of things is a number of things that belong together or that are thought of as a group.
There must be one set of laws for the whole of the country...
I might need a spare set of clothes...
The computer repeats a set of calculations...
Only she and Mr Cohen had complete sets of keys to the shop...
The mattress and base are normally bought as a set.
...a chess set.
2 [N-COUNT] oft supp N
In tennis, a set is one of the groups of six or more games that form part of a match.
Graf was leading 5-1 in the first set.
3 [N-COUNT]
In mathematics, a set is a group of mathematical quantities that have some characteristic in common.
4 [N-COUNT]
A band's or musician's set is the group of songs or tunes that they perform at a concert.
The band continued with their set after a short break...
5 [N-SING] supp N
You can refer to a group of people as a set if they meet together socially or have the same interests and lifestyle.
He belonged to what the press called `The Chelsea Set'.
see also jet set
6 [N-COUNT] also on/off N
The set for a play, film, or television show is the furniture and scenery that is on the stage when the play is being performed or in the studio where filming takes place.
From the first moment he got on the set, he wanted to be a director too...
...his stage sets for the Folies Bergeres.
7 [N-SING] usu the N of n
The set of someone's face or part of their body is the way that it is fixed in a particular expression or position, especially one that shows determination.
Matt looked at Hugh and saw the stubbornness in the set of his shoulders...
8 [N-COUNT] oft supp N
A set is an appliance. For example, a television set is a television.
Children spend so much time in front of the television set...♦♦♦ set2 /s'et/ (set sets setting) VERB AND ADJECTIVE USES
The form set is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle of the verb.
Please look at category 25 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [VERB] V n prep, V n with adv
If you set something somewhere, you put it there, especially in a careful or deliberate way.
He took the case out of her hand and set it on the floor...
When he set his glass down he spilled a little drink.
= put, place
2 [ADJ] v-link ADJ prep/adv
If something is set in a particular place or position, it is in that place or position.
The castle is set in 25 acres of beautiful grounds...
= situated
3 [ADJ] v-link ADJ prep/adv
If something is set into a surface, it is fixed there and does not stick out.
The man unlocked a gate set in a high wall and let me through...
4 [VERB] V n -ing, V n -ing, be V-ed adj/adv, V n with prep
You can use set to say that a person or thing causes another person or thing to be in a particular condition or situation. For example, to set someone free means to cause them to be free, and to set something going means to cause it to start working.
Set the kitchen timer going...
A phrase from the conference floor set my mind wandering...
Dozens of people have been injured and many vehicles set on fire...
Churchill immediately set into motion a daring plan.
5 [VERB] V n adv/prep, V n
When you set a clock or control, you adjust it to a particular point or level.
Set the volume as high as possible...
I forgot to set my alarm and I overslept.
6 [VERB] V n, V n
If you set a date, price, goal, or level, you decide what it will be.
The conference chairman has set a deadline of noon tomorrow...
A date will be set for a future meeting...
7 [VERB] V n on n/-ing
If you set a certain value on something, you think it has that value.
She sets a high value on autonomy...
8 [VERB] V n, V n
If you set something such as a record, an example, or a precedent, you do something that people will want to copy or try to achieve.
Legal experts said her case would not set a precedent because it was an out-of-court settlement...
A new world marathon record of 2 hrs, 8 min, 5 sec, was set by Stephen Jones of Great Britain...
9 [VERB] V n n
If someone sets you a task or aim or if you set yourself a task or aim, you need to succeed in doing it.
I have to plan my academic work very rigidly and set myself clear objectives...
10 [VERB] V n
To set an examination or a question paper means to decide what questions will be asked in it. (BRIT; in AM, usually use make up)
He broke with the tradition of setting examinations in Latin.
11 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
You use set to describe something which is fixed and cannot be changed.
Investors can apply for a package of shares at a set price...
12 [ADJ] ADJ n
A set book must be studied by students taking a particular course. (BRIT; in AM, use required)
One of the set books is Jane Austen's Emma.
13 [ADJ] v-link ADJ prep/adv
If a play, film, or story is set in a particular place or period of time, the events in it take place in that place or period.
The play is set in a small Midwestern town.
14 [ADJ] v-link ADJ to-inf
If you are set to do something, you are ready to do it or are likely to do it. If something is set to happen, it is about to happen or likely to happen.
Roberto Baggio was set to become one of the greatest players of all time...
15 [ADJ] v-link ADJ on/against n/-ing
If you are set on something, you are strongly determined to do or have it. If you are set against something, you are strongly determined not to do or have it.
She was set on going to an all-girls school...
16 [VERB] V n
If you set your face or jaw, you put on a fixed expression of determination.
Instead, she set her jaw grimly and waited in silence...
17 [VERB] V
When something such as jelly, melted plastic, or cement sets, it becomes firm or hard.
You can add ingredients to these desserts as they begin to set...
18 [VERB] V, V-ing
When the sun sets, it goes below the horizon.
They watched the sun set behind the distant dales.
...the red glow of the setting sun.
19 [VERB] V n for n
To set a trap means to prepare it to catch someone or something.
He seemed to think I was setting some sort of trap for him...
20 [VERB]
When someone sets the table, they prepare it for a meal by putting plates and cutlery on it.
= lay
21 [VERB] V n to n
If someone sets a poem or a piece of writing to music, they write music for the words to be sung to.
He has attracted much interest by setting ancient religious texts to music.
22
see also setting, set-to
23 [PHRASE] V inflects
If someone sets the scene or sets the stage for an event to take place, they make preparations so that it can take place.
The Democrat convention has set the scene for a ferocious election campaign this autumn...
24 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that someone is set in their ways, you are being critical of the fact that they have fixed habits and ideas which they will not easily change, even though they may be old-fashioned.
25
to set eyes on something: see eye
to set fire to something: see fire
to set foot somewhere: see foot
to set your heart on something: see heart
to set sail: see sail
to set great store by or on something: see store
to set to work: see worktea set (tea sets)
[N-COUNT]
A tea set is a set of cups, saucers, and plates, with a milk jug, sugar bowl, and teapot.