Set Meaning
Set Definition & Usage
To put something in a particular position or location.
Examples
- "She set the vase carefully on the table."
- "He set the book down and left the room."
- "Can you set the alarm for 7 a.m.?"
- "I set the dish on the counter to cool."
- "The waiter set the plates down in front of us."
To establish or determine something, like a rule or time.
Examples
- "The teacher set the date for the exam."
- "They set a strict policy for late arrivals."
- "We need to set the meeting for Thursday."
- "The boss set a deadline for the project."
- "She set a record for the fastest time in the race."
To prepare or arrange something for use.
Examples
- "I’m setting the table for dinner."
- "We set up the tents before the storm came."
- "He set the camera to record at midnight."
- "She set the stage for the performance."
- "They set the equipment for the concert."
A collection or group of things that belong together.
Examples
- "I need to sort these books into sets of three."
- "The chess pieces come in a complete set."
- "He owns a set of antique tools."
- "She bought a set of kitchen knives for the new house."
- "They have a set of rules for the game."
A group of repetitions in exercise or physical activity.
Examples
- "He did three sets of ten push-ups."
- "She is preparing for her next set of squats."
- "I’m taking a break between sets at the gym."
- "The trainer asked us to do five sets of jumping jacks."
- "They completed the last set before cooling down."
Cultural Context
The word 'set' has a broad and varied usage in both formal and casual contexts. It has evolved over centuries, originally from Old French 'set' meaning to place or fix something, to its current widespread use in many areas of life including sports, technology, and everyday actions.
The Perfect Set
Story
The Perfect Set
On a sunny afternoon, a group of friends gathered at the park for a friendly game of soccer. Mark, the captain, was setting the boundary lines on the grass when Mia approached with a football in hand. 'I’ll set up the goalposts,' she said, moving some cones into position. Mark nodded and asked, 'Who’s going to set the teams today?' Mia grinned and said, 'I’ll set it. You know, I’ve got an eye for good combinations.' As they played, Mark noticed that Mia was setting a new record. Her passing was precise, and she seemed to predict the ball’s movements before anyone else. 'I think I’ve set a new personal best,' she laughed, after scoring a goal that took everyone by surprise. But their fun didn’t stop there. After the game, they gathered for a picnic. Mark and Mia set the blankets on the grass, and Mia started setting out the snacks. 'You know, we should set this tradition,' Mark said. 'Every Saturday, a game and a picnic.' As the sun began to set, the group agreed it was the perfect ending to a perfect day. Mark reflected on how their small decisions—setting teams, setting goals, and even setting a plan for future gatherings—had shaped the day into something truly memorable. 'This is a set of memories I’ll cherish,' he thought.
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