Dictionary monolingual
English

Set

sɛt
Extremely common
700 - 800
700 - 800
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Set -

to put or place something in a particular position

Example: She set the vase on the table.
Usage: formalContext: instructions, formal conversations
Note: Commonly used in written and spoken English to indicate arranging or positioning something.

to establish, arrange, or decide something

Example: They set a date for the meeting.
Usage: formalContext: organizational settings, planning
Note: Used to indicate fixing or determining a specific time, place, or condition.

to adjust or regulate something

Example: Please set the temperature to 25 degrees.
Usage: formal/informalContext: settings involving controls or settings
Note: Commonly used with devices, appliances, or systems to indicate selecting or fixing a specific setting.

to establish or institute something

Example: They set up a new business.
Usage: formalContext: business, projects
Note: Used to indicate starting or creating something, such as a business, organization, or system.

to focus or direct attention on something

Example: She set her sights on becoming a lawyer.
Usage: formalContext: goals, aspirations
Note: Commonly used to express determination or ambition towards achieving a particular goal.

Set's synonyms

put

To place something in a particular position or location.
Example: She put the book on the table.
Note: Similar to 'set' in terms of action, but 'put' emphasizes the act of placing something in a specific position.

establish

To create or set up something that will last or be recognized.
Example: The company aims to establish a strong presence in the market.
Note: More formal and implies a sense of permanence compared to 'set.'

arrange

To organize or place things in a particular order or pattern.
Example: She arranged the flowers in a vase.
Note: Focuses on organizing items in a specific way or order.

fix

To repair, mend, or make something firm or stable.
Example: He fixed the broken chair.
Note: Emphasizes the act of repairing or making something stable or secure.

appoint

To assign a job or role to someone.
Example: They appointed her as the new manager.
Note: Specifically refers to assigning a position or role to someone.

Set expressions, common phrases

Set the table

To arrange plates, utensils, and glasses on a table before a meal.
Example: Could you please set the table for dinner?
Note: The word 'set' here means arranging objects in a particular way.

Set the record straight

To provide accurate information or correct misunderstandings.
Example: I need to set the record straight about what really happened.
Note: The phrase uses 'set' in a figurative sense to mean establishing the truth.

Set in stone

Something that is fixed and cannot be changed easily.
Example: The plans are not set in stone yet, so changes can still be made.
Note: This idiom suggests permanence or rigidity, unlike the flexibility of the word 'set'.

Set the stage

To prepare a situation or environment for something to happen.
Example: The opening act really set the stage for an unforgettable performance.
Note: In this context, 'set' implies creating a favorable or appropriate setting.

Set the tone

To establish a particular mood or attitude for a situation.
Example: Her welcoming speech set a positive tone for the meeting.
Note: Using 'set' here conveys the idea of influencing the atmosphere or ambiance.

Set a precedent

To establish a standard or example for others to follow.
Example: The court's decision will set a precedent for future cases of a similar nature.
Note: The phrase 'set a precedent' implies creating a model or guideline.

Set the bar

To establish a high standard or expectation for others to meet or surpass.
Example: Their innovative design really set the bar high for competitors.
Note: This idiom uses 'set' to indicate establishing a benchmark or measure of comparison.

Set off

To cause something to start, especially suddenly.
Example: The loud noise set off car alarms in the neighborhood.
Note: In this context, 'set off' means triggering or initiating an action.

Settle down

To relax or make oneself comfortable in a quiet way.
Example: After a long day, it's nice to settle down with a good book.
Note: The phrase 'settle down' suggests calming oneself or finding a state of rest.

Set everyday (slang) expressions

All set

Means fully prepared or ready for something.
Example: Are you ready to go? - Yes, I'm all set.
Note: The slang term implies being ready or prepared, while 'set' alone doesn't emphasize preparedness in this context.

Settle up

To pay a debt or bill, often after a shared expense.
Example: Let's settle up the bill before we leave.
Note: The slang term specifically refers to resolving financial matters, unlike the general meaning of 'set'.

Set the record

To provide correct information or clarify a situation.
Example: He set the record straight about what happened that night.
Note: This term is a more casual way of saying 'set the record straight'.

Set - Examples

Set the table for dinner.
I bought a set of new dishes.
The teacher gave us a set of math problems to solve.

Set grammar

Set - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: set
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): set
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): sets, set
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): set
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): set
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): set
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): setting
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): sets
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): set
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): set
Syllables, Separation and Stress
set Contains 1 syllables: set
Phonetic transcription: ˈset
set , ˈset (The red syllable is stressed)

Set - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
set: 700 - 800 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy helps you discover, organize, and learn new words and phrases with ease. Build personalized vocabulary collections, and practice anytime, anywhere.