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set about

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌsɛt əˈbaʊt/ · UK /ˌset əˈbaʊt/

set about means: To begin doing a task, usually with effort or a plan.

verb

START A TASKB2

To begin doing a task, usually with effort or a plan.

  • We set about cleaning the house.
  • How will you set about finding a job?
  • He set about the repairs immediately.

How to use it: set about doing something (We set about repairing the roof.); set about something (She set about the task with enthusiasm.)

Similar words: begin, start, tackle

Common phrases: set about doing something, set about the task

ATTACK SOMEONEC1

To start hitting or attacking someone.

  • The men set about him.
  • Two strangers set about her in the street.
  • They set about the guard with sticks.

How to use it: set about someone (The gang set about him outside the station.)

Similar words: attack, set upon

Common phrases: set about someone, set about a stranger

PLACE AROUNDC2

To put things in various places around an area.

  • They set chairs about the room.
  • Small tables had been set about the garden.
  • She set candles about the hall before dinner.

How to use it: set something about a place (They set lamps about the garden.)

Similar words: place around, arrange

Common phrases: set about the room, set about the garden

SPREAD NEWSC2

To make news or a story known to many people.

  • They set about a false rumour.
  • Who set that story about?
  • Reports of his departure were set about the town.

How to use it: set something about (Someone set a false rumour about.)

Similar words: spread, circulate

Common phrases: set about a rumour, set about false reports

Questions about set about

What does set about mean?

To begin doing a task, usually with effort or a plan.

What is set about in other languages?

Türkçe: işe koyulmak · Español: ponerse a · Français: se mettre à · Deutsch: sich an etwas machen · Italiano: mettersi a · 日本語: 取りかかる

How do you pronounce set about?

In American English /ˌsɛt əˈbaʊt/; in British English /ˌset əˈbaʊt/.

How do you use set about in a sentence?

We set about cleaning the house. How will you set about finding a job?

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set about in other languages

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