American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

[Middle English sette , from Old French, from Medieval Latin secta , retinue , from Latin, faction ; see sect .]

b. An offensive formation in football or basketball.

a. A group of games constituting one division or unit of a match, as in tennis.

8. Mathematics A collection of distinct elements having specific common properties: a set of positive integers.

7. The collective receiving apparatus assembled to operate a radio or television.

b. The music so played.

a. A session of music, typically dance music, played before an intermission.

b. The entire enclosure in which a movie is filmed; the sound stage.

a. The scenery constructed for a theatrical performance.

a. A number of couples required for participation in a square dance.

3. A group of books or periodicals published as a unit.

2. A group of persons sharing a common interest: the high-school set.

1. A group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used: a chess set.

Usage Note: Originally set meant "to cause (someone) to sit" and "to cause (something) to be in a certain position," so that it is now in most cases a transitive verb: She sets the book on the table. He sets the table. Sit is generally an intransitive verb: He sits at the table. There are some exceptions: The sun sets (not sits ). A hen sets (or sits ) on her eggs.

[Middle English, from Old English; see sed- in Indo-European roots .]

To establish one's business operations.

saber rattling that set the stage for war.

To provide the underlying basis for: saber rattling that set the stage for war.

2. To behave or perform in a way that others try to emulate.

1. To go at a speed that other competitors attempt to match or surpass.

To regard as valuable or worthwhile.

To inform (someone) of the truth of a situation.

To begin a voyage on water.

The music set the audience on fire.

2. To cause to become excited: The music set the audience on fire.

1. To cause to ignite and burn.

She set her sights on medical school.

To have as a goal: She set her sights on medical school.

To be determined to do something.

She is set on getting a role in the play.

Resolved to do something or strongly wishing for something: She is set on getting a role in the play.

The indictment set the judicial process in motion.

To give impetus to: The indictment set the judicial process in motion.

To step on.

To cause to ignite and burn.

We are dead set against the idea.

Strongly opposed to: We are dead set against the idea.

Guards set dogs upon the escaping prisoners.

To attack violently: Guards set dogs upon the escaping prisoners.

10. Sports To make a pass to (a teammate), creating a scoring opportunity.

Swindlers have set me up.

9. Informal To put (someone else) into a compromising situation by deceit or trickery: Swindlers have set me up.

8. To lay plans for: set up a kidnapping.

a victory that really set the team up.

7. Informal To stimulate or exhilarate: a victory that really set the team up.

b. To pay for (drinks).

a. To treat (someone) to drinks.

5. To establish in business by providing capital, equipment, or other backing.

They set up howls of protest over new taxes.

4. To cause: They set up howls of protest over new taxes.

3. To establish; found: set up a charity.

set up a new machine.

d. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.

He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.

c. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.

They set the general up as a dictator.

b. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.

1. To place in an upright position.

1. To begin working energetically; start in.

She set out at dawn for town.

5. To start a journey: She set out at dawn for town.

4. To plant: set out seedlings.

3. To display for exhibition or sale.

2. To lay out systematically or graphically: set out a terrace.

He set out to understand why the plan had failed.

1. To begin an earnest attempt; undertake: He set out to understand why the plan had failed.

set off for Europe.

5. To start on a journey: set off for Europe.

Our dismay at her leaving was set off by our knowing that she was happy.

4. To counterbalance, counteract, or compensate for: Our dismay at her leaving was set off by our knowing that she was happy.

set off a passage with italics.

3. To direct attention to by contrast; accentuate: set off a passage with italics.

features setting him off from the crowd.

2. To indicate as being different; distinguish: features setting him off from the crowd.

The clerk's indifference finally set me off.

c. To make suddenly or demonstrably angry: The clerk's indifference finally set me off.

b. To cause to explode: set off a bomb.

a. To give rise to; cause to occur: set off a chemical reaction.

3. To move toward the shore. Used of wind or water.

"Evening was setting in as I took the road over Mountain Top"

2. To begin to happen or be apparent: "Evening was setting in as I took the road over Mountain Top" (Charles Siebert).

set in the sleeve of a gown.

1. To insert: set in the sleeve of a gown.

She has set forth her ideas.

2. To express in words: She has set forth her ideas.

1. To present for consideration; propose: set forth a sound plan.

5. Baseball To put out (a batter); retire. Used of a pitcher.

The pilot set the plane down hard.

4. To land (an aircraft): The pilot set the plane down hard.

Let's set the error down to inexperience.

b. To assign to a cause; attribute: Let's set the error down to inexperience.

Just set him down as a sneak.

a. To regard; consider: Just set him down as a sneak.

We set down the facts.

2. To put in writing; record: We set down the facts.

Set the baby down here.

1. To cause to sit; seat: Set the baby down here.

It is wise to set food and money by in case of a future emergency.

To reserve for future use: It is wise to set food and money by in case of a future emergency.

That coat set me back $1,000.

2. Informal To cost: That coat set me back $1,000.

1. To slow down the progress of; hinder.

The dogs set at the fox.

To attack or assail: The dogs set at the fox.

The court has set aside the conviction.

3. To declare invalid; annul or overrule: The court has set aside the conviction.

2. To discard or reject.

1. To separate and reserve for a special purpose.

character traits that set her apart.

2. To make noticeable: character traits that set her apart.

1. To reserve for a specific use.

set about solving the problem.

To begin or start: set about solving the problem.

11. In Texas hold'em, a hand in which a player has two cards of the same rank and another card of that rank is among the community cards.

10. Sports The act of setting a volleyball for a teammate.

9. The act of arranging hair by waving and curling it.

8. A seedling, slip, or cutting that is ready for planting.

7. The direction or course of wind or water.

6. A descent below the horizon.

"The mental set of an audience is crucial to his performance"

b. A particular psychological state, usually that of anticipation or preparedness: "The mental set of an audience is crucial to his performance" (Psychology Today).

a. The carriage or bearing of a part of the body.

4. The deflection of the teeth of a saw.

3. A permanent firming or hardening of a substance, as by cooling.

the set of her cap.

2. The manner in which something is positioned: the set of her cap.

b. The condition resulting from setting.

a. The act or process of setting.

We are set to leave early tomorrow morning.

b. Ready; prepared: We are set to leave early tomorrow morning.

"He is dead set against rushing abroad to build a plant"

a. Intent and determined: "He is dead set against rushing abroad to build a plant" (Fortune).

He is set in his ways.

5. Unwilling or very reluctant to change: He is set in his ways.

"His bearded face already has a set, hollow look"

4. Fixed and rigid: "His bearded face already has a set, hollow look" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).

Our set purpose is to win the conflict.

3. Established deliberately; intentional: Our set purpose is to win the conflict.

followed set procedures for filing a grievance.

2. Established by convention: followed set procedures for filing a grievance.

a set time for the launching.

1. Fixed or established by agreement: a set time for the launching.

9. To position oneself preparatory to an action, such as running a race.

"If Emmett drives, I could set up front"

8. Nonstandard To sit: "If Emmett drives, I could set up front" (Bobbie Ann Mason).

7. Botany To mature or develop, as after pollination.

6. To point to the location of game by holding a fixed body position. Used of a hunting dog.

5. To become whole; knit. Used of a broken bone.

b. To become permanent. Used of dye.

allowed the aspic to set.

a. To become fixed; harden: allowed the aspic to set.

3. To sit on eggs. Used of fowl.

when the glory of the empire set.

2. To diminish or decline; wane: when the glory of the empire set.

The sun set at seven that evening.

1. To disappear below the horizon: The sun set at seven that evening.

14. Botany To produce, as after pollination: set seed.

13. To point to the location of (game) by holding a fixed body position. Used of a hunting dog.

b. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.

Set yourself over by the fire.

a. To cause to sit: Set yourself over by the fire.

We set a high value on human life.

c. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.

The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.

b. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.

She sets a great deal by good nutrition.

a. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.

To appoint, establish, or determine, as:

a play that is set in Venice.

f. To prescribe the unfolding of (a drama or narrative, for instance) in a specific place: a play that is set in Venice.

set the meeting for Friday afternoon.

e. To prescribe as a time for: set the meeting for Friday afternoon.

d. To arrange or establish (a computer password, for example) to allow future action.

c. To establish as the highest level of performance: set a swimming record.

A parent must set a good example for the children.

b. To provide or establish as a model: A parent must set a good example for the children.

a. To declare or demonstrate (a precedent or standard, for instance).

b. To write (words) to fit a given melodic line.

a. To compose (music) to fit a given text.

b. To transpose (text, for example) into type.

a. To arrange (type) into words and sentences preparatory to printing; compose.

7. Sports To pass (a volleyball), usually with the fingertips, in an arc close to the net so that a teammate can drive it over the net.

b. To direct or focus (one's desires or hopes, for example) on a certain thing.

a. To concentrate or direct (one's mind or attention, for example) on a purpose or goal.

To cause to be in proper, useful, or working condition, as:

h. To apply equipment, such as curlers and clips, to (hair) in order to style.

g. To restore to a proper and normal state when dislocated or broken: set a broken arm.

f. To arrange scenery on (a theater stage).

e. Nautical To spread open to the wind: set the sails.

d. To adjust (a saw) by deflecting the teeth.

c. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.

set the alarm for 7:00.

b. To adjust (an instrument or device) to a specific point or calibration: set the alarm for 7:00.

set the table; set a place at table.

a. To arrange for the consumption of a meal: set the table; set a place at table.

To put into a stable or fixed position, as:

d. To cause (a hook) to become fixed in a fish's mouth.

The tiara was set with diamonds.

c. To apply jewels to; stud: The tiara was set with diamonds.

set an emerald in a pendant.

b. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.

set the fence post in cement.

a. To position or secure so as to be fixed or immobile: set the fence post in cement.

3. To position (oneself) so as to be ready to do something, such as start running a race.

a dispute that set the neighbors against each other.

d. To incite to hostile feeling or action: a dispute that set the neighbors against each other.

The sergeant set the recruit to sweeping the barracks.

c. To cause or assign (someone) to undertake an action or perform a service: The sergeant set the recruit to sweeping the barracks.

The noise set the dog to barking.

b. To cause to begin an action: The noise set the dog to barking.

set the prisoner at liberty; set the house ablaze; set the machine in motion.

a. To put into a specified state: set the prisoner at liberty; set the house ablaze; set the machine in motion.

set a book on a table; set the photo next to the flowers.

1. To put in a specified position or arrangement; place: set a book on a table; set the photo next to the flowers.

[C14 (in the obsolete sense: a religious sect): from Old French sette, from Latin secta sect; later sense development influenced by the verb set 1 ]

in this school we set our older pupils for English

12. ( usually tr ) to divide into sets: in this school we set our older pupils for English .

set to your partners

11. (Dancing) ( intr ) (in square dancing and country dancing) to perform a sequence of steps while facing towards another dancer: set to your partners .

the Who played two sets

b. a continuous performance: the Who played two sets .

the set included no new numbers

a. a band's or performer's concert repertoire on a given occasion: the set included no new numbers .

b. a series of figures that make up a formation dance

a. the number of couples required for a formation dance

Graf lost the first set

8. (Badminton) tennis squash badminton one of the units of a match, in tennis one in which one player or pair of players must win at least six games: Graf lost the first set .

Graf lost the first set

7. (Squash & Fives) tennis squash badminton one of the units of a match, in tennis one in which one player or pair of players must win at least six games: Graf lost the first set .

Graf lost the first set

6. (Tennis) tennis squash badminton one of the units of a match, in tennis one in which one player or pair of players must win at least six games: Graf lost the first set .

5. (Electronics) any apparatus that receives or transmits television or radio signals

b. (in some formulations) a class that can itself be a member of other classes

a. Also called: class a collection of numbers, objects, etc, that is treated as an entity: 3, the moon is the set the two members of which are the number 3 and the moon

b. (in some formulations) a class that can itself be a member of other classes

a. Also called: class a collection of numbers, objects, etc, that is treated as an entity: 3, the moon is the set the two members of which are the number 3 and the moon

he's part of the jet set

2. a group of people who associate together, esp a clique: he's part of the jet set .

John is in the top set for maths

1. a number of objects or people grouped or belonging together, often forming a unit or having certain features or characteristics in common: a set of coins ; John is in the top set for maths .

[Old English settan, causative of sittan to sit; related to Old Frisian setta, Old High German sezzan ]

58. (Education) (of a book, etc) prescribed for students' preparation for an examination

he is set upon marrying

57. ( postpositive; foll by on or upon ) resolute in intention: he is set upon marrying .

she made her apology in set phrases

56. conventional, artificial, or stereotyped, rather than spontaneous: she made her apology in set phrases .

a set expression on his face

55. unmoving; fixed: a set expression on his face .

she is set in her ways

54. ( usually postpositive ) rigid or inflexible: she is set in her ways .

53. fixed or established by authority or agreement: set hours of work .

49. (General Engineering) the penetration of a driven pile for each blow of the drop hammer

48. a mechanical distortion of shape or alignment, such as a bend in a piece of metal

47. the direction of flow of water

45. (Tools) a blacksmith's tool with a short head similar to a cold chisel set transversely onto a handle and used, when struck with a hammer, for cutting off lengths of iron bars

44. (Agriculture) a seedling, cutting, or similar part that is ready for planting: onion sets .

43. (Psychology) psychol a temporary bias disposing an organism to react to a stimulus in one way rather than in others

b. the direction from which a wind is blowing or towards which a tide or current is moving

a. the cut of the sails or the arrangement of the sails, spars, rigging, etc, of a vessel

b. the width of the lines of type in a page or column

a. the width of the body of a piece of type

40. (Film) the scenery and other props used in and identifying the location of a stage or television production, film, etc

39. (Theatre) the scenery and other props used in and identifying the location of a stage or television production, film, etc

38. (Clothing & Fashion) the fit or hang of a garment, esp when worn

the set of a gun dog when pointing

37. bearing, carriage, or posture: the set of a gun dog when pointing .

36. a condition of firmness or hardness

35. the act of setting or the state of being set

34. set eyes on to see

32. (Bridge) bridge to defeat (one's opponents) in their attempt to make a contract

31. Scot and Irish to let or lease: to set a house .

30. (Hunting) ( intr ) (of a gun dog) to turn in the direction of game, indicating its presence

29. (Agriculture) to place (a hen) on (eggs) for the purpose of incubation

28. (Agriculture) to plant (seeds, seedlings, etc)

27. (Botany) (of plants) to produce (fruits, seeds, etc) after pollination or (of fruits or seeds) to develop after pollination

26. (Computer Science) computing to give (a binary circuit) the value 1

25. to sink (the head of a nail) below the surface surrounding it by using a nail set

24. to displace alternate teeth of (a saw) to opposite sides of the blade in order to increase the cutting efficiency

23. to sharpen (a cutting blade) by grinding or honing the angle adjacent to the cutting edge

22. to leave (dough, etc) in one place so that it may prove

21. ( intr ) (of the sun, moon, etc) to disappear beneath the horizon

20. (Nautical Terms) ( also intr ) to rig (a sail) or (of a sail) to be rigged so as to catch the wind

his course was set to the East

19. ( also intr ) to give or be given a particular direction: his course was set to the East .

he set his services at £300

18. ( foll by at ) to price (the value of something) at a specified sum: he set his services at £300 .

he set a high price on his services

17. (foll by: on or by ) to value (something) at a specified price or estimation of worth: he set a high price on his services .

16. to present as a model of good or bad behaviour (esp in the phrases set an example, set a good example, set a bad example )

his novel is set in Russia

15. to describe or present (a scene or the background to a literary work, story, etc) in words: his novel is set in Russia .

14. (Film) to arrange (a stage, television studio, etc) with scenery and props

13. (Theatre) to arrange (a stage, television studio, etc) with scenery and props

12. (Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) printing Also: set up to arrange or produce (type, film, etc) from (text or copy); compose

11. (Music, other) Also: set to music to provide music for (a poem or other text to be sung)

10. (Clothing & Fashion) (of clothes) to hang or fit (well or badly) when worn

the jeweller set the diamonds in silver

she set her hair

9. to arrange in a particular fashion, esp an attractive one: she set her hair ; the jeweller set the diamonds in silver .

the examiners have set 'Paradise Lost'

8. to prescribe or allot (an undertaking, course of study, etc): the examiners have set 'Paradise Lost' .

we have set the date for our wedding

7. to determine or establish: we have set the date for our wedding .

6. to adjust (a clock or other instrument) to a position

5. ( also intr ) to put or be put into a position that will restore a normal state: to set a broken bone .

the jelly set in three hours

4. ( also intr ) to put, form, or be formed into a jelled, firm, fixed, or rigid state: the jelly set in three hours .

to set the table for dinner

3. to put into order or readiness for use; prepare: to set a trap ; to set the table for dinner .

they set the dogs on the scent

he set fire to the house

2. ( also intr; foll by to or on ) to put or be put (to); apply or be applied: he set fire to the house ; they set the dogs on the scent .

to set someone free

to set a book on the table

1. to put or place in position or into a specified state or condition: to set a book on the table ; to set someone free .

set

(sɛt)

1. to put (something or someone) in a particular place, position, or posture: to set a vase on a table; Set the baby on her feet.

2. to put or cause to pass into some condition: to set a house on fire; to set a prisoner free.

3. to put or apply: to set fire to a house.

4. to fix definitely; establish or decide upon: to set a time limit; to set a wedding date.

5. to put (a price or value) upon something.

6. to fix the value of at a certain amount, rate, or point: She sets honesty above everything else.

7. to post, station, or appoint for some duty or task: to set guards at the door.

8. to place or plant firmly: to set a flagpole in concrete.

9. to direct or settle resolutely or wishfully: to set one's mind to a task; to set one's heart on a new bike.

10. to establish for others to follow: to set a fast pace; to set a good example.

11. to prescribe or assign, as a task.

12. to distribute or arrange china, silver, etc., for use on (a table).

13. to style (the hair) by using rollers, clips, lotions, or other aids to induce curls, waves, fullness, etc.

14. to put in the proper or desired order or condition for use: to set a trap.

15. to adjust (a mechanism) so as to control its performance.

16. to adjust the hands of (a clock or watch) to the desired position or according to a certain standard.

17. to adjust (a timer, alarm, etc.) so as to sound when desired.

18. to fix at a given point or calibration: to set the dial on an oven.

19. to fix or mount (a gem or the like) in a frame or setting.

20. to ornament or stud with gems or the like.

21. to cause to sit; seat: to set a child in a highchair.

22. to put (a hen) on eggs to hatch them.

23. to place (eggs) under a hen or in an incubator for hatching.

24. to cause to take a particular direction: to set one's course to the south.

25. to put into a fixed, rigid, or settled state, as the face or muscles.

26. to put (a broken or dislocated bone) back in position.

27. to cause (glue, mortar, or the like) to become fixed or hard.

28. to affix or apply, as by stamping: The king set his seal to the decree.

29. to tighten (often fol. by up): to set nuts well up.

30. (of a hunting dog) to indicate the position of (game) by standing stiffly and pointing with the muzzle.

31. to urge, goad, or encourage to attack: to set the hounds on a trespasser.

32. to put aside (dough with yeast in it) to permit rising.

33. a. to fit, as words to music. b. to arrange for musical performance. c. to arrange (music) for certain voices or instruments.

34. a. to arrange the scenery, properties, lights, etc., on (a stage) for an act or scene. b. to give decisive form to (an action, scene, etc.) in preparation for performance.

35. to spread and secure (a sail) so as to catch the wind.

36. a. to arrange (type) in the order required for printing. b. to arrange (a text) in type for printing.

37. Bridge. to cause (the opponents or their contract) to fall short.

38. to sink (a nail head) with a nail set.

39. to bend the teeth of (a saw) outward in opposite directions.

40. to pass below the horizon; sink: The sun sets early in winter.

41. to decline; wane.

42. to assume a fixed or rigid state, as the countenance or the muscles.

43. (of mortar, glue, dye, or the like) to become firm, solid, or permanent.

44. to sit on eggs to hatch them, as a hen.

45. (of the hair) to assume a particular style as the result of having been temporarily rolled up, pinned, twisted, etc.

46. (of a flower's ovary) to develop into a fruit.

47. (of a hunting dog) to indicate the position of game.

48. to have a certain direction or course, as a wind or current.

49. (of a sail) to be spread so as to catch the wind.

50. Nonstandard. to sit: Come in and set a spell.

51. set about, to begin; undertake; start.

52. set aside, a. to put to one side; reserve. b. to dismiss from the mind; reject. c. to prevail over; discard; annul: to set aside a verdict.

53. set back, a. to hinder; impede. b. to fix at an earlier time or lower point on a scale: Set back your clocks one hour. c. Informal. to cause to pay; cost: The house set them back $200,000.

54. set by, to save or keep for future use.

55. set down, a. to record or copy in writing or printing. b. to land an airplane.

56. set forth, a. to give an account of; state; describe. b. to begin a journey; start.

57. set in, a. to begin to prevail; arrive: Darkness set in. b. (of winds or currents) to blow or flow toward the shore.

58. set off, a. to cause to become ignited or to explode. b. to begin; start. c. to intensify or improve by contrast. d. to begin a journey or trip; depart.

59. set on, a. Also, set upon. to attack or cause to attack. b. to instigate; incite.

60. set out, a. to begin a journey or course. b. to undertake; attempt. c. to define; describe. d. to plant.

61. set to, a. to begin work vigorously. b. to start to fight.

62. set up, a. to put upright; raise. b. to put into a high or powerful position. c. to construct; assemble; erect. d. to inaugurate; establish. e. to enable to begin in business; provide with means. f. to make a gift of; treat, as to drinks. g. to bring about; cause. h. to lead or lure into a prearranged situation, esp. so as to embarrass or entrap.

63. the act or state of setting or the state of being set.

64. a collection of articles designed for use together or in a complementary way: a chess set; a set of carving knives.

65. a number, group, or combination of things of similar nature, design, or function: a set of ideas.

66. a number, company, or group of persons associated by common interests, occupations, conventions, or status: the smart set.

67. fixed direction, bent, or inclination: The set of his mind was obvious.

68. bearing or carriage: the set of one's shoulders.

69. the assumption of a fixed, rigid, or hard state, as by mortar or glue.

70. the fit, as of an article of clothing.

71. the styling of the hair with rollers, pins, lotions, etc., or the hairstyle so formed.

72. an apparatus for receiving radio or television programs; receiver.

73. a construction representing the site of the action in a play, film, or the like.

74. a young plant, or a slip, tuber, or the like, suitable for planting.

75. Tennis. a unit of a match, consisting of a group of not fewer than six games with a margin of at least two games between the winner and loser: She won the match in straight sets of 6–3, 6–4, 6–4.

76. Mach. a. the bending out of the points of alternate teeth of a saw in opposite directions. b. a permanent deformation or displacement of an object or part. c. a tool for giving a certain form to something, as a saw tooth.

77. Psychol. a temporary state of readiness to act or respond to certain stimuli in a specific way.

78. a. the number of couples required to execute a quadrille or the like. b. a series of movements or figures that make up a quadrille or the like.

79. Music. a. a succession of pieces played by an ensemble, as a dance band or jazz group, before or after an intermission. b. the period during which these pieces are played.

80. Naut. a. the direction of a wind, current, etc. b. the form or arrangement of the sails, spars, etc., of a vessel.

81. Math. a collection of objects or elements classed together.

82. fixed or prescribed beforehand: a set time.

83. specified; fixed: The hall holds a set number of people.

84. deliberately composed; customary: set phrases.

85. fixed; rigid: a set smile.

86. resolved or determined; habitually or stubbornly fixed: to be set in one's opinions.

87. completely prepared; ready: Is everyone set?

setten, Old English settan, c. Old Frisian setta, Old Saxon settian, Old High German sezzen, Old Norse setja, Gothic satjan, all < Germanic *satjan, causative of *setjan to set, set(t)e, derivative of the v. and its past participle; (in senses denoting a group) Middle English sette < Old French < Latin secta gesette set, suite)] [before 900; (v.) Middle EnglishOld Englishc. Old Frisian setta, Old Saxon settian, Old High GermanOld NorseGothicall < Germaniccausative ofto sit ; (n.) Middle Englishderivative of the v. and its past participle; (in senses denoting a group) Middle English< Old French < Latin sect (later influenced by the v. and Middle Low Germanset, suite)]

usage: The verbs Set the dish on the shelf. Its past tense and past participle are also The judge has set the date for the trial. Pull up a chair and set by me. Let's sit here in the shade. Its past tense and past participle are Have they sat down yet? Transitive uses of Sit yourself on the sofa) and “to provide seating for” (The waiter sat us near the window). The verbs set and sit are similar in form and meaning but different in grammatical use. set is chiefly transitive and takes an object:Its past tense and past participle are also set set also has some standard intransitive uses, as “to pass below the horizon” and “to become firm, solid, etc.” The intransitive use of set for sit , “to be seated,” is nonstandard: sit is chiefly intransitive and does not take an object:Its past tense and past participle are sat Transitive uses of sit include “to cause to sit” () and “to provide seating for” ().

Set

(sɛt)

also Seth

an ancient Egyptian god, represented with the head of a donkey or other mammal.

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