A compact but wide-ranging word for putting something in place, fixing a value or plan, making things ready or firm, and naming grouped things, performances, scenery, sports divisions, devices, and ready or fixed states.
To choose a value, level, option, or setting for a device, program, variable, or control.
Examples
She set the alarm for 6 am.
The app sets the language automatically.
Please set the volume to a lower level.
The script sets the variable to true.
He set the thermostat at 20 degrees.
Similar words
adjust
configure
assign
specify
define
select
Cause a state or action
verb
change
neutral
To make someone or something enter a particular state, start a process, or move into action.
Examples
The judge set the prisoner free.
A small spark set the curtains on fire.
Her speech set the plan in motion.
The news set everyone thinking.
One careless remark set the brothers against each other.
Similar words
make
cause
start
trigger
release
incite
Become firm or permanent
verb
physical
neutral
To become firm, solid, joined, or permanent, or to make something do so.
Examples
The concrete set overnight.
Let the jelly set before serving it.
The doctor set the broken bone.
Heat helps the dye set in the fabric.
The glue sets in about ten minutes.
Similar words
harden
solidify
firm
fix
congeal
cure
Go below the horizon
verb
nature
neutral
To move down until hidden below the horizon, as the sun or moon does.
Examples
The sun sets late in summer.
We watched the moon set over the sea.
By the time the sun had set, the air was cold.
The planet sets just after midnight.
Clouds covered the sky before the sun set.
Similar words
sink
descend
go down
dip
disappear
Locate a story
verb
arts
neutral
To place the events of a story, film, play, or game in a particular time or place.
Examples
The novel is set in Lagos.
The film was set during the 1920s.
They set the play in a small fishing village.
The game is set on a distant planet.
A comedy set in an office can still feel fresh.
Similar words
locate
place
situate
stage
Fix into a surround
verb
craft
neutral
To fasten a stone, jewel, or similar object into a surrounding holder.
Examples
The jeweller set the diamond in platinum.
Her bracelet is set with tiny emeralds.
They set the stone deep into the ring.
A silver frame sets off the blue glass.
The crown was set with pearls.
Similar words
mount
embed
fix
inlay
stud
Group or collection
noun
everyday
neutral
A number of things treated as one group, especially because they belong together or share a rule.
Examples
She bought a set of dishes.
The puzzle has a set of rules.
In maths, a set can contain numbers or points.
The software exports a data set each night.
A spare set of keys is in the drawer.
Similar words
group
collection
assortment
array
batch
kit
Stage or film scenery
noun
entertainment
neutral
The scenery, props, and built space used for a play, film, television show, or photo shoot.
Examples
The set looked like a Victorian kitchen.
The crew moved the set between scenes.
No visitors were allowed on set during filming.
The theatre built a new set for the musical.
Lighting changed the mood of the set.
Similar words
scenery
backdrop
stage
location
set design
Division of a match
noun
sports
neutral
A scored part of a match, especially in tennis, volleyball, badminton, and similar sports.
Examples
She won the first set 6 to 4.
The match went to a deciding set.
Our volleyball team lost the opening set.
He served better in the second set.
A tie-break decided the set.
Similar words
round
game
division
segment
Performance session
noun
music
neutral
A continuous part of a concert, comedy show, or DJ performance, or the pieces performed in that part.
Examples
The band played a forty-minute set.
The DJ closed the night with a dance set.
Her comedy set got the biggest laughs.
They added two new songs to the set.
The festival gave each act a short set.
Similar words
session
performance
routine
playlist
act
Social group
noun
society
neutral
A group of people linked by shared interests, status, habits, or social life.
Examples
She moved in an artistic set.
The jet set gathered at the resort.
He felt out of place among that political set.
The school had a sporty set and a theatre set.
Their social set met every Friday.
Similar words
circle
crowd
group
clique
scene
Receiving device
noun
technology
neutral
A device that receives or displays broadcasts, especially a television or radio.
Examples
The old television set still works.
A radio set crackled in the corner.
They carried the portable set into the garden.
The repair shop fixed our TV set.
The broadcast came through clearly on the set.
Similar words
receiver
television
radio
unit
device
Exercise repetitions
noun
fitness
neutral
A group of repeated movements done together as one part of an exercise routine.
Examples
Do three sets of ten squats.
He rested between each set.
The trainer added another set of lunges.
Her final set felt much harder.
Start with two sets of push-ups.
Similar words
round
series
block
cycle
Fixed or ready
adjective
everyday
neutral
Fixed, scheduled, prepared, or needing nothing more.
Examples
The meeting is set for Monday.
Dinner is ready and the table is set.
The price is set by law.
We are all set for the trip.
Her schedule is set until August.
Similar words
fixed
scheduled
ready
prepared
settled
arranged
Determined or unchanging
adjective
personality
neutral
Firm in attitude, expression, habit, or intention, often in a way that is hard to change.
Examples
He is set in his ways.
She had a set expression on her face.
They are set on moving abroad.
His set opinions rarely soften.
The dog watched us with a set stare.
Similar words
determined
fixed
firm
stubborn
unchanging
intent
Hardened or permanent
adjective
physical
neutral
Firm, solid, joined, or permanent after drying, cooling, healing, or chemical change.
Examples
The set jelly held its shape.
Do not touch the set plaster.
The set dye should not wash out.
Her set jaw showed determination.
The set glue made the joint strong.
Similar words
hardened
solid
firm
fixed
cured
permanent
Etymology
From Middle English setten, from Old English settan, meaning to place or cause to sit, related to sit.
FAQ
What is the past tense of set?
The past tense of set is set, not setted. The past participle is also set.
What does set mean as a verb?
As a verb, set can mean put in place, arrange, decide, adjust, cause a state, become firm, go below the horizon, locate a story, or fix a gem in place.
What does set mean as a noun?
As a noun, set can mean a group, a mathematical collection, stage scenery, a sports division, a performance session, a social circle, a receiver device, or exercise repetitions.
What does set mean as an adjective?
As an adjective, set means fixed, scheduled, ready, determined, unchanging, hardened, or permanent.
Is setted ever correct?
setted is not the standard past tense of set. It appears only in rare technical or dialect uses outside ordinary English.
What is the difference between set and sit?
set usually takes an object, as in set the cup down. sit usually means rest in a seated position, as in sit on the chair.
What is a set in mathematics?
In mathematics, a set is a collection of distinct elements, such as numbers, points, or other objects.
What does all set mean?
all set means ready, prepared, or needing nothing more, as in We are all set to leave.
Why is set so hard to define?
set is very old and has developed many linked uses around placing, fixing, arranging, grouping, and becoming ready or firm.
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