setup
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the way that something is organized or arranged.
the configuration or organizational structure of a system, business, or situation.
Simple“I really like the setup at my new office because everyone sits together.”
In context“The current political setup makes it difficult for smaller parties to gain any significant representation in the local assembly.”
Usageoften used with 'the' or 'a' to describe a social or professional situation.
PitfallI need to setup the new computer. I need to set up the new computer.Use the two-word 'set up' for the verb and the one-word 'setup' for the noun.
Synonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
the set of equipment or tools you use for a specific activity.
the physical apparatus or assembly of equipment required for a particular purpose or operation.
Simple“He spent a lot of money on a professional gaming setup with three monitors.”
In context“The laboratory setup included a high-speed camera and several sensors designed to capture the chemical reaction in real time.”
Usagefrequently used in gaming, photography, and home office contexts.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a dishonest plan that makes someone seem guilty of something they did not do.
a scheme or deceptive arrangement intended to incriminate an innocent person or produce a predetermined negative outcome.
Simple“The thief claimed it was a setup and that the police had planted the money.”
In context“The protagonist eventually realizes that the entire job was a setup designed to distract the authorities from the real crime.”
Synonyms - 04 B1 Intermediate
the process of installing a new program on a computer.
the initial process of installing and configuring software or hardware for first-time use.
Simple“Double-click the setup file to begin installing the software on your laptop.”
In context“The automated setup failed because the system lacked the necessary administrative permissions to modify the registry files.”
Usageoften refers specifically to the 'setup.exe' file or the installation wizard.
SynonymsAntonymsuninstallation
Deverbal from set up.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.