set

To make something have a particular condition or position, or adjust it to work as wanted.

• Please set the clock.
• He set the heating to a lower temperature.
• Have you set your alarm for tomorrow?

How to use it: set something to something (Set the oven to 180 degrees.); set something for something (I set the alarm for seven.)

Similar words: adjust

Common phrases: set the clock, set an alarm, set the temperature

To decide and fix a price, limit, time, rule, or other value.

• We need to set a date.
• The teacher set a limit of ten minutes.
• Who sets the prices in this shop?

How to use it: set something at something (They set the price at twenty euros.); set something for something (We set the meeting for Tuesday.)

Similar words: fix, establish, determine

Common phrases: set a limit, set a price, set a date

To put something down in a particular place.

• Set your bag here.
• He set the cup beside his plate.
• She carefully sets each vase on the shelf.

How to use it: set something on/in/beside something (She set the bowl on the table.)

Similar words: put, place, lay

Common phrases: set something down, set something aside, set something gently

To put plates, knives, forks, and other things on a table before a meal.

• Please set the table.
• She set a place for the extra guest.
• Have you set the table for dinner?

How to use it: set the table for someone/something (We set the table for six people.)

Similar words: lay

Opposites: clear

Common phrases: set the table, set a place

If the sun or moon does this, it goes below the edge of the sky and disappears.

• The sun sets in the west.
• We watched the sun set over the sea.
• The moon had set before we reached home.

Similar words: go down

Opposites: rise

Common phrases: sun set, moon set, set over something

To become firm or solid after being soft or liquid.

• The jelly hasn't set yet.
• Leave the glue to set overnight.
• The concrete sets slowly in cold weather.

Similar words: harden, solidify

Opposites: soften, melt

Common phrases: set hard, set completely, set overnight

A group of similar things, or things that belong together and can be used together.

• I lost my set of keys.
• This chess set belonged to my grandfather.
• She bought two matching sets of plates.

How to use it: set of + plural noun (I bought a set of six cups.)

Similar words: group, collection

Common phrases: set of keys, chess set, complete set, tool set

One part of a tennis, volleyball, or similar match, made up of games or points.

• She won the first set.
• They lost the match in straight sets.
• The final set lasted almost an hour.

Common phrases: first set, win a set, final set