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set

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verb British English pronunciation: set /set/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyset
he/she/itsets
present participlesetting
past tenseset
past participleset
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [transitive] to put someone or something in a position
    set someone/something in/into/on/down/back etc:

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

    She set the baby on the floor to play.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
    1. a.
      [transitive] [usually passive] if something is set somewhere, it is in that place or position

      It's a traditional country house hotel, set in its own parklands.

      The bookcase was set into the wall.

      Our house is set back from the road.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
    2. 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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
  2. 2
    [transitive] to make something happen, or to 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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
  3. 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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
    1. 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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
  4. 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?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
    1. 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 exam results.

      Bail was set at £50,000.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
  5. 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 teacher sets high standards and expects everyone to meet them.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
  6. 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'.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
  7. 7
    [transitive] to give something to someone to do or to achieve
    set someone a goal/challenge/objective/task:

    You'll never get anywhere if you don't set yourself any goals.

    set someone to do something:

    I've set myself to find a new job by Christmas.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
    1. 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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
    2. b.
      British to produce questions or an examination paper for students to answer

      They set us an absolutely impossible paper.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
  8. 8
    [transitive] [usually passive] to write or produce a play, book, film etc that happens in a particular time or place

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

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
  11. 11
    [intransitive/transitive] if a liquid sets, or if you set it, it forms a solid substance

    a type of concrete that sets in 15 minutes

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
  12. 12
    [intransitive/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 that expression on your face

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

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set
  15. 15
    [transitive] [usually passive] to put a jewel or stone in a piece of jewellery

    a necklace set with rubies

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of set

phrases

This is the British English definition of set. View American English definition of set.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

View the pronunciation for set.

 

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