reset
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to change a machine or system back to its original state or to zero.
v.to restore a device, system, or counter to its initial configuration or a zero value.
Simple“If the screen freezes, you might need to reset the tablet to its factory settings.”
In context“The technician advised the user to reset the router by holding the small button on the back for ten seconds.”
UsageOften used with 'to' when specifying the new state, such as 'reset to zero'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to move or fix something into a new or correct position.
v.to adjust, set, or position an object differently, often to correct an alignment.
Simple“The doctor had to reset the bone in his arm after the accident.”
In context“The jeweller had to reset the diamond because the original gold claws had become dangerously loose over time.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
n.the act of starting something again, often to fix a problem or get a fresh start.
n.the process or instance of returning a system to its initial state, often used figuratively for a fresh start in life or policy.
Simple“A long weekend in the mountains was exactly the mental reset she needed.”
In context“Economists argued that the market required a total reset to correct the artificial inflation of asset prices.”
Synonyms - 04 B1 Intermediate
n.a button or switch that you press to make a machine start again.
n.a physical or virtual control mechanism designed to initiate a system reboot or clear a display.
Simple“He pressed the reset on the microwave after the power cut.”
In context“The console features a recessed reset to prevent players from accidentally interrupting their game progress.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
n.the crime of taking or hiding things that you know were stolen.
n.the criminal act of knowingly receiving or harbouring stolen property or outlaws.
Simple“He was charged with reset after the police found the stolen jewellery in his shop.”
In context“In Scots law, reset remains a distinct offence involving the dishonest retention of property obtained by theft or fraud.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is specific to Scots law; in most other English-speaking regions, 'receiving stolen goods' is used instead.
Synonyms
From re- + set.
Borrowed from Middle Scots resett, from Early Scots reset, from Anglo-Norman recet (noun), recetter (verb), from Latin receptus (noun), receptāre (verb). Compare receipt.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.