ENGLISH
REFERENCE

set

v. · n. · adj.
US //ˈsɛt// UK //sˈɛt// set
Irregular verb past set past participle set
  1. 1 to put in place (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to place something in a particular position.

    to place or position an object in a specific location or orientation. Transitive; requires a direct object.

    Example

    She set the boxes on the floor and started unpacking them.

    Example

    She set the heavy crates down with deliberate care, knowing one careless drop would shatter the antique porcelain inside.
  2. 2 to schedule a time (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to fix a date, time, or limit.

    to establish or appoint a specific time, date, or boundary for an event or task.

    Example

    They set the meeting for Friday morning so everyone had notice.

    Example

    The committee set the deadline for early November, choosing a date that would force the contractor to deliver before winter weather arrived.
Show 9 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 to become solid (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to become firm or solid, like jelly or concrete.

    to change from a liquid or soft state to a solid or rigid state through chemical or physical cooling. Intransitive in this sense.

    Example

    The dessert needs two hours in the fridge to set properly.

    Example

    The quick-drying cement began to set within minutes, leaving the workers very little time to smooth the surface of the new driveway.
  2. 4 sun going down (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    when the sun or moon disappears below the horizon.

    of a celestial body: to disappear below the horizon as the earth rotates.

    Example

    We sat on the beach and watched the sun set over the ocean.

    Example

    As the sun set behind the jagged peaks, the temperature in the valley dropped with surprising speed.
  3. 5 a group of items (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a collection of matching things that belong together.

    a group of related or matching items considered as a single unit or collection.

    Example

    A set of keys lay on the desk by the door.

    Example

    The museum displayed an exquisite set of Georgian silverware, each piece engraved with the family crest of the original owners.
  4. 6 film or stage (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Theatre

    the place where a film or play is recorded.

    the physical environment, scenery, and props constructed for a film, television programme, or theatrical production.

    Example

    The actors arrived on set at dawn for the first scene.

    Example

    On set, the director paced anxiously while lighting technicians repositioned the rig that had been miscalibrated overnight.
  5. 7 mathematical collection (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Math

    a collection of numbers or objects in math.

    a collection of distinct objects, considered as an object in its own right.

    Example

    In this math problem, we need to find the union of two sets.

    Example

    The professor explained that a set containing all prime numbers is infinite, yet it is a subset of the set of all integers.
  6. 8 sports/exercise (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    a part of a match or a group of exercises.

    a division of a match in sports like tennis, or a group of repetitions in weightlifting.

    Example

    He won the first set of the tennis match six-four.

    Example

    After completing three sets of ten repetitions, the athlete moved on to the cardiovascular portion of the training session.
  7. 9 ability group (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Education

    a school class where students have similar skills.

    a group of pupils of similar ability in a particular subject who are taught together. Primarily used in the UK education system.

    Example

    She was pleased to be placed in the top set for mathematics.

    Example

    The school decided to move away from rigid sets in favour of mixed-ability teaching for the younger year groups.
  8. 10 ready (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Informal

    prepared and in position to start.

    fully prepared and in a state of readiness. Often used in the phrase 'all set'.

    Example

    Are you all set for your trip tomorrow?

    Example

    With the proposal finalised and the supporting evidence collated, the negotiating team felt set to enter the morning session with confidence.
  9. 11 fixed or unchangeable (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    fixed and not likely to change.

    fixed, established, or prearranged; often used to describe opinions or menus.

    Example

    The restaurant offers a set menu for a fixed price.

    Example

    He is very set in his ways and rarely agrees to try new technology or different methods of working.
Word family
Idioms37 entries

© 2026 English Reference