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Definition of Set in English :

Define Set in English

Set meaning in English

Meaning of Set in English

Pronunciation of Set in English

Set pronunciation in English

Pronounce Set in English

Set

see synonyms of set

Noun

1. set

a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used

Example Sentences:
'a set of books'
'a set of golf clubs'
'a set of teeth'

2. set

(mathematics) an abstract collection of numbers or symbols

Example Sentences:
'the set of prime numbers is infinite'

3. exercise set, set

several exercises intended to be done in series

Example Sentences:
'he did four sets of the incline bench press'

4. set, stage set

representation consisting of the scenery and other properties used to identify the location of a dramatic production

Example Sentences:
'the sets were meticulously authentic'

5. band, circle, lot, set

an unofficial association of people or groups

Example Sentences:
'the smart set goes there'
'they were an angry lot'

6. bent, set

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

Example Sentences:
'the set of his mind was obvious'

7. set

the act of putting something in position

Example Sentences:
'he gave a final set to his hat'

8. set

a unit of play in tennis or squash

Example Sentences:
'they played two sets of tennis after dinner'

9. curing, hardening, set, solidification, solidifying

the process of becoming hard or solid by cooling or drying or crystallization

Example Sentences:
'the hardening of concrete'
'he tested the set of the glue'

10. set, seth

evil Egyptian god with the head of a beast that has high square ears and a long snout; brother and murderer of Osiris

11. set

the descent of a heavenly body below the horizon

Example Sentences:
'before the set of sun'

12. readiness, set

(psychology) being temporarily ready to respond in a particular way

Example Sentences:
'the subjects' set led them to solve problems the familiar way and to overlook the simpler solution'
'his instructions deliberately gave them the wrong set'

13. set

any electronic equipment that receives or transmits radio or tv signals

Example Sentences:
'the early sets ran on storage batteries'

Verb

14. lay, place, pose, position, put, set

put into a certain place or abstract location

Example Sentences:
'Put your things here'
'Set the tray down'
'Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children'
'Place emphasis on a certain point'

15. determine, set

fix conclusively or authoritatively

Example Sentences:
'set the rules'

16. define, determine, fix, limit, set, specify

decide upon or fix definitely

Example Sentences:
'fix the variables'
'specify the parameters'

17. mark, set

establish as the highest level or best performance

Example Sentences:
'set a record'

18. set

put into a certain state; cause to be in a certain state

Example Sentences:
'set the house afire'

19. set

fix in a border

Example Sentences:
'The goldsmith set the diamond'

20. fix, gear up, prepare, ready, set, set up

make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

Example Sentences:
'Get the children ready for school!'
'prepare for war'
'I was fixing to leave town after I paid the hotel bill'

21. set

set to a certain position or cause to operate correctly

Example Sentences:
'set clocks or instruments'

22. localise, localize, place, set

locate

Example Sentences:
'The film is set in Africa'

23. go down, go under, set

disappear beyond the horizon

Example Sentences:
'the sun sets early these days'

24. arrange, set

adapt for performance in a different way

Example Sentences:
'set this poem to music'

25. plant, set

put or set (seeds, seedlings, or plants) into the ground

Example Sentences:
'Let's plant flowers in the garden'

26. set

apply or start

Example Sentences:
'set fire to a building'

27. congeal, jell, set

become gelatinous

Example Sentences:
'the liquid jelled after we added the enzyme'

28. set, typeset

set in type

Example Sentences:
'My book will be typeset nicely'
'set these words in italics'

29. set

put into a position that will restore a normal state

Example Sentences:
'set a broken bone'

30. countersink, set

insert (a nail or screw below the surface, as into a countersink)

31. set

give a fine, sharp edge to a knife or razor

32. set, sic

urge to attack someone

Example Sentences:
'The owner sicked his dogs on the intruders'
'the shaman sics sorcerers on the evil spirits'

33. place, put, set

estimate

Example Sentences:
'We put the time of arrival at 8 P.M.'

34. rig, set, set up

equip with sails or masts

Example Sentences:
'rig a ship'

35. lay out, set, set up

get ready for a particular purpose or event

Example Sentences:
'set up an experiment'
'set the table'
'lay out the tools for the surgery'

36. adjust, correct, set

alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard

Example Sentences:
'Adjust the clock, please'
'correct the alignment of the front wheels'

37. fructify, set

bear fruit

Example Sentences:
'the apple trees fructify'

38. arrange, coif, coiffe, coiffure, do, dress, set

arrange attractively

Example Sentences:
'dress my hair for the wedding'

Adjective

39. fit, primed, set

(usually followed by to' or for') on the point of or strongly disposed

Example Sentences:
'in no fit state to continue'
'fit to drop'
'laughing fit to burst'
'she was fit to scream'
'primed for a fight'
'we are set to go at any time'

40. fixed, rigid, set

fixed and unmoving

Example Sentences:
'with eyes set in a fixed glassy stare'
'his bearded face already has a set hollow look'
'a face rigid with pain'

41. located, placed, set, situated

situated in a particular spot or position

Example Sentences:
'valuable centrally located urban land'
'strategically placed artillery'
'a house set on a hilltop'
'nicely situated on a quiet riverbank'

42. laid, set

set down according to a plan:

Example Sentences:
'a carefully laid table with places set for four people'
'stones laid in a pattern'

43. set

being below the horizon

Example Sentences:
'the moon is set'

44. determined, dictated, set

determined or decided upon as by an authority

Example Sentences:
'date and place are already determined'
'the dictated terms of surrender'
'the time set for the launching'

45. hardened, set

converted to solid form (as concrete)

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Set

see synonyms of set
verbWord forms: sets, setting or set (mainly tr)
1. 
to put or place in position or into a specified state or condition
to set a book on the table
to set someone free
2. (also intr; foll by to or on)
to put or be put (to); apply or be applied
he set fire to the house
they set the dogs on the scent
3. 
to put into order or readiness for use; prepare
to set a trap
to set the table for dinner
4. (also intr)
to put, form, or be formed into a jelled, firm, fixed, or rigid state
the jelly set in three hours
5. (also intr)
to put or be put into a position that will restore a normal state
to set a broken bone
6. 
to adjust (a clock or other instrument) to a position
7. 
to determine or establish
we have set the date for our wedding
8. 
to prescribe or allot (an undertaking, course of study, etc)
the examiners have set 'Paradise Lost'
9. 
to arrange in a particular fashion, esp an attractive one
she set her hair
the jeweller set the diamonds in silver
10. (intransitive)
(of clothes) to hang or fit (well or badly) when worn
11. Also: set to music
to provide music for (a poem or other text to be sung)
12. Also: set up printing
to arrange or produce (type, film, etc) from (text or copy); compose
13. 
to arrange (a stage, television studio, etc) with scenery and props
14. 
to describe or present (a scene or the background to a literary work, story, etc) in words
the novel is set in Russia
15. 
to present as a model of good or bad behaviour (esp in the phrases set an example, set a good example, set a bad example)
16. (foll by on or by)
to value (something) at a specified price or estimation of worth
he set a high price on his services
17. (foll by at)
to price (the value of something) at a specified sum
she set her services at £300
18. (also intr)
to give or be given a particular direction
our course was set to the East
19. (also intr)
to rig (a sail) or (of a sail) to be rigged so as to catch the wind
20. (intransitive)
(of the sun, moon, etc) to disappear beneath the horizon
21. 
to leave (dough, etc) in one place so that it may prove
22. 
to sharpen (a cutting blade) by grinding or honing the angle adjacent to the cutting edge
23. 
to displace alternate teeth of (a saw) to opposite sides of the blade in order to increase the cutting efficiency
24. 
to sink (the head of a nail) below the surface surrounding it by using a nail set
25. computing
to give (a binary circuit) the value 1
26. 
(of plants) to produce (fruits, seeds, etc) after pollination or (of fruits or seeds) to develop after pollination
27. 
to plant (seeds, seedlings, etc)
28. 
to place (a hen) on (eggs) for the purpose of incubation
29. (intransitive)
(of a gun dog) to turn in the direction of game, indicating its presence
30. Scottish and Irish
to let or lease
to set a house
31. bridge
to defeat (one's opponents) in their attempt to make a contract
32.  a dialect word for sit
33.  set eyes on
noun
34. 
the act of setting or the state of being set
35. 
a condition of firmness or hardness
36. 
bearing, carriage, or posture
the set of a gun dog when pointing
37. 
the fit or hang of a garment, esp when worn
38. 
the scenery and other props used in and identifying the location of a stage or television production, film, etc
39. Also called: set width printing
a. 
the width of the body of a piece of type
b. 
the width of the lines of type in a page or column
40. nautical
a. 
the cut of the sails or the arrangement of the sails, spars, rigging, etc, of a vessel
b. 
the direction from which a wind is blowing or towards which a tide or current is moving
41. psychology
a temporary bias disposing an organism to react to a stimulus in one way rather than in others
42. 
a seedling, cutting, or similar part that is ready for planting
onion sets
43. 
a blacksmith's tool with a short head similar to a cold chisel set transversely onto a handle and used, when struck with a hammer, for cutting off lengths of iron bars
44.  nailset
45. 
the direction of flow of water
46. 
a mechanical distortion of shape or alignment, such as a bend in a piece of metal
47. 
the penetration of a driven pile for each blow of the drop hammer
48.  a variant spelling of sett
adjective
49. 
fixed or established by authority or agreement
set hours of work
50. (usually postpositive)
rigid or inflexible
she is set in her ways
51. 
unmoving; fixed
a set expression on his face
52. 
conventional, artificial, or stereotyped, rather than spontaneous
she made her apology in set phrases
53. (postpositive; foll by on or upon)
resolute in intention
he is set upon marrying
54. 
(of a book, etc) prescribed for students' preparation for an examination
noun
1. 
a number of objects or people grouped or belonging together, often forming a unit or having certain features or characteristics in common
a set of coins
the top set for maths
2. 
a group of people who associate together, esp a clique
he's part of the jet set
3. mathematics, logic
a. Also called: class
a collection of numbers, objects, etc, that is treated as an entity: 3, the moon is the set the two members of which are the number 3 and the moon
b. 
(in some formulations) a class that can itself be a member of other classes
4. 
any apparatus that receives or transmits television or radio signals
5. tennis, squash, badminton
one of the units of a match, in tennis one in which one player or pair of players must win at least six games
Graf lost the first set
6. 
a. 
the number of couples required for a formation dance
b. 
a series of figures that make up a formation dance
7. 
a. 
a band's or performer's concert repertoire on a given occasion
the set included no new numbers
b. 
a continuous performance
the Who played two sets
verbWord forms: sets, setting or set
8. (intransitive)
(in square dancing and country dancing) to perform a sequence of steps while facing towards another dancer
set to your partners
9. (usually tr)
to divide into sets
in this school we set our older pupils for English

Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

Set

see synonyms of set
noun
Egyptian Mythology
a god of evil, represented as having an animal's head with square-tipped ears
verb transitiveWord forms: set or ˈsetting
1. 
to place in a sitting position; cause to sit; seat
2. 
a. 
to cause (a fowl) to sit on eggs in order to hatch them
b. 
to put (eggs) under a fowl or in an incubator to hatch them
3. 
to put in a certain place or position; cause to be, lie, stand, etc. in a place
set the book on the table
4. 
to put in the proper or designated place
to set a wheel on an axle
5. 
to put or move (a part of the body) into or on a specified place
to set foot on land
6. 
to bring (something) into contact with something else
to burn a paper by setting a match to it
7. 
a.  Archaic
to put in writing; record
b. 
to put or affix (one's signature, seal, etc.) to a document
8. 
to cause to be in some condition or relation
; specif.,
a. 
to cause to be or become
to set a house on fire
b. 
to put in a certain physical position
to set a book on end
9. 
to cause to be in working or proper condition; put in order; arrange; fix; adjust
; specif.,
a. 
to fix (a net, trap, etc.) in a position to catch animals
b. 
to fix (a sail) in a position to catch the wind
c. 
to put (a part of a device) in position to work
to set a chuck on a lathe
d. 
to adjust so as to be in a desired position for use; regulate
to set a radio dial, a clock, a thermostat, etc.
e. 
to place (oneself) in readiness for action
f. 
to put an edge on (a knife, razor, etc.)
g. 
to adjust (a saw) by slightly deflecting alternate teeth in opposite directions
h. 
to sink (the head of a nail, screw, etc.) below a surface
i. 
to arrange (a table) with knives, forks, plates, etc. for a meal
j. 
to put (a dislocated joint or fractured bone) into normal position for healing, mending, etc.
10. 
to cause to be in a settled or firm position
; specif.,
a. 
to put or press into a fixed or rigid position
to set one's jaw
b. 
to cause (one's mind, purpose, etc.) to be fixed, unyielding, determined, etc.
c. 
to cause to become firm or hard in consistency
pectin sets jelly
d. 
to make (a color) fast in dyeing
e. 
to mount, embed, or fix (gems) in rings, bracelets, etc.
f. 
to cover, encrust, or decorate (gold, watches, etc.) with gems
g. 
to fix firmly in a frame
set the glass in the window
h. 
to arrange (hair) in the desired style with lotions, hairpins, etc. and let it dry
i. 
to transplant (a shoot, etc.)
11. 
to cause to take a particular direction
; specif.,
a. 
to cause to move as specified; propel
the current set them eastward
b. 
to point, direct, or face as specified
to set one's face toward home
c. 
to direct (one's desires, hopes, heart, etc.) with serious attention (in or on someone or something)
12. 
to appoint, establish, ordain, etc.
; specif.,
a. 
to post or station for certain duties
to set sentries at a gate
b. 
to place in a position of authority
c. 
to fix (limits or boundaries)
d. 
to fix or appoint (a time) for something to happen
to set Friday as the deadline
e. 
to fix a time for (an event)
f. 
to establish (a regulation, law, record, etc.) or prescribe (a form, order, etc.)
g. 
to give or furnish (an example, pattern, etc.) for others
h. 
to introduce (a fashion, style, etc.)
i. 
to allot or assign (a task, lesson, etc.) for work or study
j. 
to fix (a quota, as of work) for a given period
k. 
to begin to apply (oneself) to a task, etc.
13. 
to estimate or fix; place mentally
; specif.,
a. 
to fix (the amount of a price, fine, etc.)
b. 
to fix (a price, fine, etc.) at a specified amount
c. 
to estimate or value
to set at naught all that one has won
d. 
to fix or put as an estimate
to set little store by someone
14.  Baking
to put aside (leavened dough) to rise
15.  Bridge
to prevent (one's opponents) from making their bid
16.  Hunting
to point toward the position of (game)
said of a dog
17.  Music
to write or fit (words to music or music to words)
18.  Printing
a. 
to arrange (type) for printing
b. 
to produce or reproduce (printed matter) by computer or photocomposition
c. 
to put (a piece of writing) into print
19.  Theatre
a. 
to place (a scene) in a given locale
b. 
to make up or arrange (scenery) on the stage
c. 
to arrange the scenery and properties on
the stage
verb intransitive
20. 
to sit on eggs
said of a fowl
21. 
to become firm or hard in consistency
cement sets after several hours
22. 
to become fast
said of dye, color, etc.
23. 
a. 
to begin to move, travel, etc.
with out, forth, on, off, or forward
b. 
to begin or get started
to set to work
24. 
to have a certain direction; tend
25. 
a. 
to make an apparent descent toward and below the horizon; go down
the setting sun
b. 
to wane; decline
26. 
to hang, fit, or suit in a certain way
a jacket that sets well
27. 
to grow together; mend
said of a broken bone
28.  Dialectal
to sit
29.  Botany
to begin to develop into a fruit after pollination
30.  Hunting
to point toward the position of game
said of a dog
adjective
31. 
fixed or appointed in advance
a set time
32. 
established; prescribed, as by authority
33. 
deliberate; intentional; purposeful
34. 
conventional; stereotyped; not spontaneous
a set speech
35. 
fixed; motionless; rigid; immovable
36. 
a. 
resolute; determined
b. 
obstinate; unyielding
37. 
firm or hard in consistency
38. 
ready to begin some action or activity
get set to run
39. 
formed; put together; built
noun
40. 
a setting or being set
; specif.,
a. 
the act of a dog in setting game
b. 
a becoming hard or firm in consistency
41. 
the way or position in which a thing is set
; specif.,
a. 
direction; course, as of a current
b. 
tendency; inclination
c. 
change of form resulting from pressure, twisting, strain, etc.; warp; bend
d. 
sideways deflection in opposite directions of the alternate teeth of a saw
e. 
the way in which an article of clothing fits or hangs
f. 
the position or attitude of a limb or part of the body
the set of her head
g.  Psychology
a readiness to respond or to prepare for a certain definite kind of activity
42. 
something which is set
; specif.,
a. 
a twig or slip for planting or grafting
b. 
a young plant; esp., a dwarfed bulb, as of an onion, dried and kept over winter for early spring planting
c. 
a number of backdrops, flats, properties, etc. constructed and arranged for a scene in a play, film, etc.
43. 
a. 
the act or a style of setting hair
b. 
the lotion, etc. used for this purpose
: in full hair set
44. 
a group of persons
; specif.,
a. 
a company or group with common habits, occupation, interests, etc.
a set of smugglers
b. 
an exclusive or select group; clique; coterie
c. 
the number of couples needed for a country or square dance
45. 
a collection of things belonging, issued, used, or growing together
; specif.,
a. 
a number of tools or instruments used together
a carpentry set
b. 
the collection of objects necessary for playing a game, esp. a parlor game
c. 
a number of magazines, books, etc., often in a similar format, by one author, on one subject, etc.
d. 
a matching collection of china, silverware, etc.
e. 
the complement of natural or artificial teeth of a person or animal
f. 
a clutch of eggs
g. 
the figures that make up a country or square dance
h. 
several pieces of dance music played, or danced to, in quick succession
i. 
receiving equipment for radio or television assembled, as in a cabinet, for use
j.  Tennis
a subdivision of a match1 (sense 3), consisting of a series of at least six games
see also game1 (sense 2) game1 (sense 2c)
46.  Ancient Mathematics
a prescribed collection of points, numbers, or other objects that satisfy a given condition
47.  Printing
the width of the body of a piece of type

Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.

Set

see synonyms of set
v. set, set·ting, sets
v.tr.
1. To put in a specified position or arrangement; place: set a book on a table; set the photo next to the flowers.
2.
a. To put into a specified state: set the prisoner at liberty; set the house ablaze; set the machine in motion.
b. To cause to begin an action: The noise set the dog to barking.
c. To cause or assign (someone) to undertake an action or perform a service: The sergeant set the recruit to sweeping the barracks.
d. To incite to hostile feeling or action: a dispute that set the neighbors against each other.
3. To position (oneself) so as to be ready to do something, such as start running a race.
4. To put into a stable or fixed position, as:
a. To position or secure so as to be fixed or immobile: set the fence post in cement.
b. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
c. To apply jewels to; stud: The tiara was set with diamonds.
d. To cause (a hook) to become fixed in a fish's mouth.
5. To cause to be in proper, useful, or working condition, as:
a. To arrange for the consumption of a meal: set the table; set a place at table.
b. To adjust (an instrument or device) to a specific point or calibration: set the alarm for 7:00.
c. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
d. To adjust (a saw) by deflecting the teeth.
e. Nautical To spread open to the wind: set the sails.
f. To arrange scenery on (a theater stage).
g. To restore to a proper and normal state when dislocated or broken: set a broken arm.
h. To apply equipment, such as curlers and clips, to (hair) in order to style.
6.
a. To concentrate or direct (one's mind or attention, for example) on a purpose or goal.
b. To direct or focus (one's desires or hopes, for example) on a certain thing.
7. Sports To pass (a volleyball), usually with the fingertips, in an arc close to the net so that a teammate can drive it over the net.
8. Printing
a. To arrange (type) into words and sentences preparatory to printing; compose.
b. To transpose (text, for example) into type.
9. Music
a. To compose (music) to fit a given text.
b. To write (words) to fit a given melodic line.
10. To appoint, establish, or determine, as:
a. To declare or demonstrate (a precedent or standard, for instance).
b. To provide or establish as a model: A parent must set a good example for the children.
c. To establish as the highest level of performance: set a swimming record.
d. To arrange or establish (a computer password, for example) to allow future action.
e. To prescribe as a time for: set the meeting for Friday afternoon.
f. To prescribe the unfolding of (a drama or narrative, for instance) in a specific place: a play that is set in Venice.
11.
a. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
b. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
c. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
12.
a. To cause to sit: Set yourself over by the fire.
b. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
13. To point to the location of (game) by holding a fixed body position. Used of a hunting dog.
14. Botany To produce, as after pollination: set seed.
v.intr.
1. To disappear below the horizon: The sun set at seven that evening.
2. To diminish or decline; wane: when the glory of the empire set.
3. To sit on eggs. Used of fowl.
4.
a. To become fixed; harden: allowed the aspic to set.
b. To become permanent. Used of dye.
5. To become whole; knit. Used of a broken bone.
6. To point to the location of game by holding a fixed body position. Used of a hunting dog.
7. Botany To mature or develop, as after pollination.
8. Nonstandard To sit: "If Emmett drives, I could set up front" (Bobbie Ann Mason).
9. To position oneself preparatory to an action, such as running a race.
adj.
1. Fixed or established by agreement: a set time for the launching.
2. Established by convention: followed set procedures for filing a grievance.
3. Established deliberately; intentional: Our set purpose is to win the conflict.
4. Fixed and rigid: "His bearded face already has a set, hollow look" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
5. Unwilling or very reluctant to change: He is set in his ways.
6.
a. Intent and determined: "He is dead set against rushing abroad to build a plant" (Fortune).
b. Ready; prepared: We are set to leave early tomorrow morning.
n.
1.
a. The act or process of setting.
b. The condition resulting from setting.
2. The manner in which something is positioned: the set of her cap.
3. A permanent firming or hardening of a substance, as by cooling.
4. The deflection of the teeth of a saw.
5.
a. The carriage or bearing of a part of the body.
b. A particular psychological state, usually that of anticipation or preparedness: "The mental set of an audience is crucial to his performance" (Psychology Today).
6. A descent below the horizon.
7. The direction or course of wind or water.
8. A seedling, slip, or cutting that is ready for planting.
9. The act of arranging hair by waving and curling it.
10. Sports The act of setting a volleyball for a teammate.
11. In Texas hold'em, a hand in which a player has two cards of the same rank and another card of that rank is among the community cards.
n.
1. A group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used: a chess set.
2. A group of persons sharing a common interest: the high-school set.
3. A group of books or periodicals published as a unit.
4.
a. A number of couples required for participation in a square dance.
b. The movements constituting a square dance.
5.
a. The scenery constructed for a theatrical performance.
b. The entire enclosure in which a movie is filmed; the sound stage.
6. Music
a. A session of music, typically dance music, played before an intermission.
b. The music so played.
7. The collective receiving apparatus assembled to operate a radio or television.
8. Mathematics A collection of distinct elements having specific common properties: a set of positive integers.
9. Sports
a. A group of games constituting one division or unit of a match, as in tennis.
b. An offensive formation in football or basketball.
n.
Mythology
Variant of Seth2.

The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2018 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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