set
set
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "set" is /sɛt/.
/sɛt/
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: set
Plural Noun: sets
Verb (Base Form): set
Verb (Third Person Singular Present): sets
Verb (Present Participle): setting
Verb (Past Simple): set
Verb (Past Participle): set
Adjective: set
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A group of similar things or people that are considered or used together.
Synonyms: collection, assortment, grouping, series
Antonyms: individual, single, unit
Example: She bought a new set of dishes for her kitchen.
Definition 2: A complete apparatus or collection of articles for a particular purpose.
Synonyms: kit, outfit, equipment, gear
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms, as it refers to a complete assembly)
Example: The mechanic had a specialized set of tools for engine repair.
Definition 3: The scenery and props used for a play, film, or television show.
Synonyms: stage, scene, backdrop, production
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms, as it refers to a specific theatrical element)
Example: The actors were waiting backstage for the set to be ready.
Verb
Definition 1: To put something in a particular place or position.
Synonyms: place, put, lay, position, arrange
Antonyms: remove, displace, dislodge, unset
Example: Please set the table for dinner.
Definition 2: To establish or fix a standard, rule, or boundary.
Synonyms: establish, fix, determine, assign, define
Antonyms: relax, waive, abolish, remove
Example: The committee will set the new guidelines next week.
Definition 3: (Of the sun, moon, or other celestial body) to appear to move downwards toward and below the horizon.
Synonyms: descend, go down, sink
Antonyms: rise, ascend, come up
Example: We watched the sun set over the ocean.
Definition 4: To prepare or arrange something for use.
Synonyms: prepare, arrange, adjust, ready
Antonyms: dismantle, disarray, mess up
Example: He set the alarm for 6 AM.
Adjective
Definition 1: Fixed or arranged in advance; ready.
Synonyms: ready, prepared, established, fixed, determined
Antonyms: unfixed, unprepared, fluid, adaptable
Example: Everything is set for the party tonight.
Definition 2: Unchanging or rigid in character or outlook.
Synonyms: rigid, firm, inflexible, resolute, determined
Antonyms: flexible, adaptable, wavering, uncertain
Example: He's very set in his ways and doesn't like change.
Examples of Use
Books:
"He had a particular set of skills that made him invaluable to the team." (From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt, published September 1992)
"The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the valley." (From "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens, published August 2018)
Newspapers:
"The central bank is set to raise interest rates to curb inflation." (From The Wall Street Journal)
"Police have made a new set of arrests in connection with the recent robbery." (From The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"Learn how to set up your smart home devices for optimal performance." (From CNET)
"The streaming service announced a new set of original series to be released next quarter." (From Variety)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television (Dialogue): "Is everything set for the big presentation tomorrow?" (Heard in an episode of the TV show Succession)
Film (Review): "The film features an intricately designed set that transports viewers to another era." (From a review of Dune: Part Two on Rotten Tomatoes)
Music (Song Title): "The World's A Little Blurry (Billie Eilish: The Live Album – The Extended Cut)" includes the song "Billie Bossa Nova (Live From The O2)" which could be part of a musical set. (Published by Darkroom / Interscope Records)
Video Games (Gameplay Description): "Players must set traps to defend their base from invading enemies." (Describing gameplay in Fortnite, continuously updated)
General Public Discourse:
"Let's set a date for our next meeting." (Common phrase used in workplace communication)
"I need to buy a new set of tires for my car." (Casual conversation)
"The teacher set a challenging assignment for the students." (Used in discussions about education)
10 Quotes Using Set
"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." (Lewis B. Smedes)
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." (Les Brown)
"The truth will set you free." (John 8:32, The Bible)
"If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're yours; if they don't they never were." (Richard Bach)
"If you set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing." (Margaret Thatcher)
"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." (Michelangelo)
"It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go." (Jim Rohn)
"History is a set of lies agreed upon." (Napoleon Bonaparte)
"Words mean more than what is set down on paper." (Maya Angelou)
"Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement." (Nelson Mandela)
Etymology
The word "set" is a very old and versatile word in English, with a fascinating history!
It comes from the Old English word "settan" (which meant "to cause to sit" or "to put in a definite place"). This Old English word itself came from a much older Germanic root, which is also related to words for "to sit" in other languages like German and Dutch.
So, the very first known meaning of "set" was essentially about placing something down or putting it in a specific position. Think of it as making something sit somewhere.
Over time, this core idea of placing or arranging expanded into many, many different meanings we use today, like:
To fix or establish something: (e.g., "to set a rule" or "to set a date") - you're putting something firmly in place.
To prepare something: (e.g., "to set the table") - you're arranging things for a purpose.
A collection of things: (e.g., "a set of tools") - things that are "set together" or belong in a group.
The sun going down: (e.g., "the sun sets") - the sun appears to "sit" below the horizon.
It's one of those words that has taken its original simple meaning and stretched it to cover a huge range of related ideas, making it one of the most common and complex words in the English language!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Set
Set in stone: Fixed and unchangeable.
Set the stage: To prepare for something; to create the conditions for an event.
Set the record straight: To correct a misunderstanding or inaccuracy.
Set sail: To begin a journey by boat.
Set fire to: To cause something to burn.
Set your sights on: To aim for or have a strong ambition for something.
Set foot in: To enter a place.
Set a precedent: To establish a rule or example to be followed.
Set one's teeth on edge: To annoy or irritate someone intensely.
Set a good example: To behave in a way that others should imitate.
Set the pace: To establish the speed or standard for others to follow.
Set an alarm: To program a device to make a sound at a specific time.
Set about: To begin doing something.
Set apart: To distinguish or differentiate from others.
Set back: To delay progress or cost a certain amount of money.
Set off: To begin a journey; to cause something to explode or activate.
Set up: To establish, arrange, or prepare something.
Set out: To begin a journey; to arrange or display.
Set to: To begin working hard.
Set in one's ways: Resistant to change; having fixed habits.
Set the world on fire: To achieve great success or recognition.
Set stock in: To value or believe in something.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of set from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
