ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reset

v. · n.
US //ˈɹisɛt// UK //ɹɪsˈɛt// re·set
  1. 1 to return to a starting state (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    to change a machine or system back to its original state or to zero.

    to restore a device, system, or counter to its initial configuration or a zero value.

    Example

    If the screen freezes, you might need to reset the tablet to its factory settings.

    Example

    The technician advised the user to reset the router by holding the small button on the back for ten seconds.

    Usage

    Often used with 'to' when specifying the new state, such as 'reset to zero'.
  2. 2 to adjust or reposition (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to move or fix something into a new or correct position.

    to adjust, set, or position an object differently, often to correct an alignment.

    Example

    The doctor had to reset the bone in his arm after the accident.

    Example

    The jeweller had to reset the diamond because the original gold claws had become dangerously loose over time.
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  1. 3 the act of starting over (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the act of starting something again, often to fix a problem or get a fresh start.

    the process or instance of returning a system to its initial state, often used figuratively for a fresh start in life or policy.

    Example

    A long weekend in the mountains was exactly the mental reset she needed.

    Example

    Economists argued that the market required a total reset to correct the artificial inflation of asset prices.
  2. 4 a physical button (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a button or switch that you press to make a machine start again.

    a physical or virtual control mechanism designed to initiate a system reboot or clear a display.

    Example

    He pressed the reset on the microwave after the power cut.

    Example

    The console features a recessed reset to prevent players from accidentally interrupting their game progress.
  3. 5 receiving stolen goods (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Dialect Technical Law

    the crime of taking or hiding things that you know were stolen.

    the criminal act of knowingly receiving or harbouring stolen property or outlaws.

    Example

    He was charged with reset after the police found the stolen jewellery in his shop.

    Example

    In Scots law, reset remains a distinct offence involving the dishonest retention of property obtained by theft or fraud.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is specific to Scots law; in most other English-speaking regions, 'receiving stolen goods' is used instead.
Etymology 1

From re- + set.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from Middle Scots resett, from Early Scots reset, from Anglo-Norman recet (noun), recetter (verb), from Latin receptus (noun), receptāre (verb). Compare receipt.

Idioms1 entry

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