Set
/sɛt/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo put or place something somewhere.
/sɛt/
To put or place something in a specific position.
She set the vase gently on the shelf.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're arranging your toys. Setting means putting them where you want them to be. Like, you SET your teddy bear on your bed.
👶 For kids: To put something somewhere.
More Examples
The sun set at 8 PM.
They set the date for the wedding.
How It's Used
"He set the book on the table."
"Workers set the foundation for the new building."
To establish, decide or arrange something.
/sɛt/
To establish or determine something.
The board of directors set a new policy.
💡 Simply: Setting can also mean making a plan or a rule. If you SET a schedule, you decide what to do and when.
👶 For kids: To make a plan or decision.
More Examples
They set a budget for the project.
The clock is set to the correct time.
How It's Used
"The court set a precedent with this ruling."
"They set their goals for the next year."
A group of related things.
/sɛt/
A collection or group of things.
She bought a new set of dishes.
💡 Simply: Think of a set of building blocks or a set of pencils. It's a group of things that belong together.
👶 For kids: A group of things that go together.
More Examples
The tennis player won the first set.
The detective examined the crime set.
How It's Used
"He has a complete set of stamps."
"The movie was filmed on a grand set."
Prepared or ready.
/sɛt/
The timer was set to go off in an hour.
💡 Simply: Being SET means you're all ready to do something. If you're SET to go to the park, you have your shoes on and your bag packed!
👶 For kids: Ready to do something.
More Examples
He was set on achieving his goals.
The table is set for dinner.
How It's Used
"The table is set for dinner."
"She was set to win."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
set in stone
Fixed or unchangeable.
"The plans for the conference are set in stone."
set the scene
To create the circumstances for an event to occur.
"The author sets the scene with a vivid description of the city."
have your heart set on
To desire or want something very much.
"She has her heart set on going to the beach this weekend."
From Old English *settan*, related to *sittan* ('to sit'). The word developed various meanings over time, from placing something to establishing a rule or order.
The word 'set' has been used in English since the Old English period and has evolved significantly in meaning over the centuries.
Memory tip
Think of a carpenter SETTING a table.
Word Origin
"to place, cause to sit"