set
seht
Set (verb) means to put something in a particular place or position. Example: “She set the vase on the windowsill.”
verb
1
To put something in a particular place or position.
"She set the vase on the windowsill."
"He set his keys on the table by the door."
2
To fix or establish a time, rule, or level.
"Let's set a deadline for Friday."
"They set a new record for the fastest marathon."
3
To become solid or firm.
"Leave the jelly to set in the fridge overnight."
"Let the concrete set for 24 hours before walking on it."
4
To go down below the horizon, of the sun or moon.
"We watched the sun set over the harbour."
"The moon set just before dawn."
noun
1
A group of matching or related things.
"She bought a new set of kitchen knives."
"We bought a matching set of towels for the bathroom."
2
(mathematics) A collection of distinct objects.
"In set theory, {1, 2, 3} is a set of three numbers."
adj
1
Fixed or unchanging.
"He has very set ideas about how things should be done."
"She's very set on moving to the coast next year."
How to use set
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo put something in place or fix it firmly — or, as a noun, a group of matching things.
Memory tip
Like "run", "set" has many meanings — the core idea is usually "put or fix in place".
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
set a goal
set the table
set in stone
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Word forms
- Plural
- sets
- Third person singular
- sets
- Past tense
- setten, setted
- Comparative
- more set
- Superlative
- most set
- Archaic forms
- settest, setteth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the vase on the windowsill.
Etymology
From Old English settan, "to make sit" — the causative form of sit.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “set” mean?
The word “set” means to put something in a particular place or position. In plain terms, to put something in place or fix it firmly — or, as a noun, a group of matching things.
How do you pronounce “set”?
“Set” is pronounced seht (/sɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “set” in a sentence?
Here is “set” used in a sentence: “She set the vase on the windowsill.”
What is another word for “set”?
Words with a similar meaning to “set” include set theory.
What part of speech is “set”?
Depending on how it is used, “set” can be a verb, a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “set” come from?
The word “set” comes from Old English. From Old English settan, "to make sit" — the causative form of sit.
Is “set” a common word?
“Set” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “set” have?
“Set” has 7 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to put something in a particular place or position.
What is the difference between 'set' and 'sit'?
'Set' usually takes an object — you set something down, meaning you place it somewhere. 'Sit' does not take an object; a person or thing sits by itself. So you set a cup on the table, but you sit on a chair. Remember: you set an object, but you sit yourself.
Is 'set' an irregular verb?
Yes. 'Set' keeps the same form in the present, past, and past participle: I set it down today, I set it down yesterday, and I have set it down before. This unchanging pattern makes it unusual, since most English verbs add '-ed' to form the past tense.
What is the difference between 'set' and 'put'?
Both mean to place something somewhere, and they often overlap. 'Put' is the more general, everyday choice, while 'set' suggests placing something carefully, deliberately, or upright in a chosen position. You put your keys down casually, but you set a vase gently on the shelf. 'Set' also carries a sense of arranging.
What is an example of 'set' used in a sentence?
You might say, 'She set the plate on the counter,' meaning she placed it there. Other examples include 'He set his bag by the door' or 'Set the box down carefully.' In each case, 'set' describes putting an object into a particular spot or position.
Example sentences
Real-world examples showing set in context, drawn from published sources. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.
The 31-year-old looked to have found the strength which helped him win the Vuelta a Espana in 2023 and seemed set to hold on to a slender lead for victory.
From
BBC · Jul 25, 2026
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