set - Definition & Meaning | VisualLang Dictionary

set

Third Person

sets

Present Participle

setting

Past Tense

set

Past Participle

set

to put something or someone somewhere or in a certain position

transitive

She set the book on the table.
He set the cup of coffee down carefully.
The vase of flowers was set by the window.
He set the dishes in the dishwasher.
He carefully set the colorful mosaic tiles into the bathroom wall.

Synonyms:

put lay place position pose

to adjust something to be in a suitable or desired condition for a specific purpose or use

transitive

She set the computer to mute.
Set the oven timer for 30 minutes.
The barista set the coffee machine for a double espresso.
He set the thermostat to 72 degrees to keep the room warm.
Before leaving, don't forget to set your watch to the correct time zone.

Synonyms:

gear up ready set up prepare fix

(of the sun or other celestial objects) to move out of view when going below the horizon

The sun sets in the west, painting the sky with beautiful colors.
It's always peaceful to watch the sun set after a long day.
Birds returned to their nests as the sun was settings.
The moon will set in the early morning hours.
The constellation Orion sets in the west during the winter months.

Synonyms:

go down go under

Antonyms:

rise

to put or place someone or something in a specified state

The teacher's encouragement set the students at ease before the big exam.
The teacher set the classroom in order before the students arrived, ensuring a conducive learning environment.
Her detailed instructions set the project in motion, allowing the team to work efficiently.
His sudden departure set everyone on edge, wondering what had gone wrong.

to fix something in a way that establishes an example for others to copy or try to accomplish

transitive

The artist's unique style set a new direction in contemporary art.
His leadership skills set the model for effective management.
Their commitment to eco-friendly practices set an important trend in the market.
The successful entrepreneur set the bar for innovation in the industry.
His dedication to charity work set a good example for the community.

Synonyms:

determine

to assign someone a task, goal, or target to complete

transitive

She set a goal to complete her homework by 5 PM.
They set a task for the team to brainstorm new ideas.
The teacher set an assignment for the students to complete by Friday.
He set a specific target for sales this quarter.

(of blossoms, trees, or plants) to produce fruit or seeds

transitive

The apple trees in the orchard set fruit in the summer.
The warm spring weather helped the peach trees set a bountiful crop.
With proper care, the grapevines will set clusters of grapes.
The pear tree began to set small pears that would soon ripen.
After a period of flowering, the cherry trees set delicious fruit.

Synonyms:

fructify

to determine a particular price or value for something

transitive

The seller set the price of the antique vase at $200.
He set a reasonable budget for the project.
They set a low cost for the admission tickets.
If they set the rent too high, tenants may look elsewhere for housing.

Synonyms:

place put

to have a strong and noticeable impact or effect on someone or something

The rich dessert sets heavily on my stomach.
The news set heavily on my mind, leaving me feeling anxious.
The realization set heavily upon me.
The sadness sets heavily in my heart, making it hard to smile.
The debt set heavily against his finances.

to adopt a fixed or unchanging facial expression that reflects a specific emotion or attitude

Her face set in a determined look as she prepared to tackle the challenge.
The child's face set in a pout when told it was time for bed.
As she listened to the heartwarming story, her face set into a smile.
His jaw set in frustration when he couldn't find his keys.
His expression often sets into a thoughtful gaze when he's deep in thought.

(of hunting dogs) to stop and point at where one senses wild animals, like birds or rabbits

He watched as his dog set with its tail stiff, ready to point at the hidden rabbit.
The experienced pointer dog knew how to set gracefully, leading the hunter to the quail.
When the spaniel set near the bushes, the hunter knew there was a scent of grouse nearby.
The pointer breed is known for its ability to set when it finds birds.
She watched as the dog set, indicating the presence of a rabbit.

Synonyms:

sic

to make something sharper or improve its cutting ability, typically through grinding or honing

transitive

He set the knife blade to a razor-sharp edge.
Before starting the task, I have to set my tools to ensure they're sharp enough.
She improved the chisel's cutting edge by setting it on the grinding wheel.
He made the knife really sharp by setting it against the sharpening stone.

to push a nail or screw into a material, like wood or metal, so that it is below the surface

transitive

He knows how to set screws properly.
The goal is to set the fastener evenly.
I'll set the rivet so it's not sticking out.
She carefully set the staple beneath the paper.
Use a hammer to set the tack into place.

Synonyms:

countersink

to perform synchronized dance movements with a partner, facing each other and following a set pattern of steps

During the square dance, they set with enthusiasm, moving gracefully.
In the dance formation, couples often set to the rhythm of the music.
They smiled at each other as they set in the lively square dance.

to have a specified direction of motion or flow

Clouds set in from the west, signaling rain.
The compass needle sets towards the magnetic north.
The current sets gently toward the shore.
Smoke from the chimney sets eastward in the breeze.
The river sets northward through the valley.

to position or place oneself ready for a specific action or activity

transitive

She set herself in a crouched position before pouncing.
The sprinter set herself at the starting line.
They set themselves for the race to begin.
The goalie set himself to block the penalty kick.

(with reference to the card game bridge) to prevent the opposing team from winning the tricks they promised to win in their contract

transitive

She set their opponents in the final round.
We set the opponents by taking all the tricks.
They set the opposing team, winning the bridge match.
The bridge player set his opponent, successfully defending against their contract.

to decorate, embellish, or adorn something with objects

transitive

Her dress was set with sparkling diamonds.
The cake was beautifully set with edible flowers.
The garden path was set with colorful mosaic tiles.
The decorator set the scene with colorful paintings and intricate tapestries.
The interior designer set the room with luxurious curtains and elegant furniture.

to release or scatter something into the air so that they are carried away by the wind

transitive

He set the kite, launching it high into the sky to soar on the wind.
The child set the bubbles to the wind, giggling as they floated away.
She set the dandelion seeds, watching them disperse in the breeze.
She set the leaves to the wind.