set

Definitions

1. verb

   To put something down.

   Examples

   • Set the tray there.
   • He helped his mother set the table.
   ≈put≈lay≈set down≠pick up
2. verb

   To fix something in a place.

   Examples

   • I have set my heart on running the marathon.
   • They set a stone in the wall.
3. verb

   To put something into a state or condition.

   Examples

   • The news set everyone talking.
   • They set the prisoners free.
4. verb

   To start a fire.

   Examples

   • He set a fire to keep warm through the night.
   • They set the bonfire as the sun went down.
   ≈light≠extinguish≠put out≠quench
5. verb

   To get stuck or fixed in place.

   Examples

   • The wheels set fast in the deep snow.
   • The coach set in the mud.
6. verb

   To decide or fix an amount or time.

   Examples

   • The landlord will set the rent.
   • The judge set bail at ten thousand dollars.
7. verb

   To adjust a device.

   Examples

   • I set the alarm for six in the morning.
   • Set the oven to 180 degrees.
8. verb

   To hammer a nail so its head is below the surface.

   Examples

   • Use a nail set to set the nail below the surface.
   • He set each nail carefully so filler would hide it.
9. verb

   To put plates and forks on a table before a meal.

   Examples

   • Please set the table for our guests.
   • She set the table with the good plates.
10. verb

    To describe a place or background for a story.

    Examples

    • First, let me set the scene.
    • The first chapter sets the characters of the two boys.