Setting
'setɪŋ
Definitions
4 meaningsThe place or type of surroundings where something is positioned or where an event takes place.
'setɪŋ
The environment or surroundings.
The story's setting was a futuristic city.
💡 Simply: The setting is like the background or the place where something happens. Imagine a play – the setting is the stage, the scenery, and everything around the actors. It's the 'where' of the story or event.
👶 For kids: The setting is like where something happens. Like the place in a story or a game!
More Examples
We chose a beach setting for the wedding.
The setting of the painting was a peaceful countryside.
How It's Used
"The novel's setting is a small town in the American South during the 1950s."
"The restaurant's elegant setting made it perfect for a romantic dinner."
The configuration or adjustment of a control or device.
'setɪŋ
The arrangement of something.
Adjust the settings on your phone to optimize battery life.
💡 Simply: The setting is how you adjust something, like the temperature on a heater or the volume on your TV. It’s the specific configuration you choose.
👶 For kids: The setting is like the buttons you push to make something work a certain way. Like on a toy!
More Examples
What are the optimal settings for this application?
I need to change the time setting on my watch.
How It's Used
"The camera's setting was adjusted to capture the fast-moving action."
"The settings on the thermostat need to be changed."
The way a jewel or other object is fixed in a mount.
'setɪŋ
The action of placing or positioning something.
The setting of the precious stone was exquisite.
💡 Simply: The setting is the way something is put in place or secured. Think of how a diamond is set in a ring – the setting is the metal part that holds it.
👶 For kids: The setting is how something is put in its place! Like the way a picture is put on a wall!
More Examples
The artist was particular about the setting of the shadows in his painting.
The setting in the vase was a careful arrangement of flowers.
How It's Used
"The jeweler admired the intricate setting of the diamond in the ring."
"The artist was careful in the setting of the light in the room."
A young fowl that is ready to lay eggs.
'setɪŋ
The farm had a lot of settings.
💡 Simply: This is the term used for a young hen that is ready to lay eggs. It is a fairly niche definition, so you'll mostly encounter it if you are into farming or animal science.
👶 For kids: A setting is like a chicken that is just about to lay eggs!
More Examples
The farmer tended to his settings well.
How It's Used
"The farmer carefully looked after the settings in his coop."
Synonyms
Backdrop
Environment
Location
Adjustment
Configuration
Control
Mode
Parameter
Arrangement
Fixture
Mounting
Placement
Positioning
Hen
Idioms & expressions
set the scene
To create the circumstances for an event to occur.
"The author sets the scene with a vivid description of the city."
setting the table
The act of preparing a table for a meal, arranging plates, silverware, and glasses.
"Before dinner, she took a moment to set the table."
From Middle English settyng, from the verb setten (to set), ultimately from Old English settan ('to cause to sit, place').
The word setting has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to placing something or arranging for something to happen, which evolved to include the location/environment, and the adjustment of a device.
Memory tip
Think of the 'setting' as the stage where the story unfolds.