SET OFF Meaning and
Definition
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Set off can be defined as a phrasal verb with multiple meanings. One of its primary definitions is to begin a journey or to start a specific course of action. In this context, set off implies initiating a trip or commencing an endeavor. For instance, a traveler might set off on a long-awaited vacation or an athlete may set off on a marathon. This definition highlights the idea of embarking or starting a particular activity.
Additionally, set off can also mean to cause something to happen. In this sense, it refers to triggering or provoking a response or reaction. For example, a loud noise might set off a car alarm, or an upsetting comment could set off an argument. This definition emphasizes the idea of causing something to occur or inciting a chain of events.
Moreover, set off can refer to compensating or counterbalancing something. In this usage, it suggests the act of establishing an equivalent or offsetting element. For instance, an individual might set off the cost of a business trip against their taxable income. This definition highlights the concept of balancing or deducting a certain amount to counteract or compensate for another.
In conclusion, set off can mean to initiate an excursion or an action, to cause something to happen, or to compensate or counterbalance. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used, but these are the most common interpretations of the phrasal verb set off.
Common Misspellings for SET OFF
- seetoff
- sertoff
- setof
- setoff
- settoff
- aet off
- zet off
- xet off
- det off
- swt off
- sst off
- sdt off
- srt off
- s4t off
- s3t off
- ser off
- sef off
- seg off
- sey off
- se6 off
Etymology of SET OFF
The word "set off" originated from Old English and has its roots in the combination of two words: "set" and "off".
The word "set" comes from the Old English word "settan", which means "to put in a fixed or definite place". It has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch "zetten" and German "setzen".
The word "off" comes from the Old English word "of" or "offa", which means "away" or "out". It is related to the Old High German word "af" and the Old Norse word "af", both with similar meanings.
When combined, "set" and "off" form a phrasal verb that means to begin a journey or to depart from a place. Over time, the phrase "set off" has become commonly used in the English language to indicate starting a trip or initiating an action.
Idioms with the word SET OFF
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set off sth
The idiom "set off something" means to cause something to happen or begin, usually referring to an event or a series of actions that triggers a particular outcome or consequence. It can also indicate the act of causing something or someone to appear more noticeable or prominent by contrasting or highlighting it against its surroundings.
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set off (for sth)
The idiom "set off (for sth)" typically means to begin a journey or to depart for a particular destination or purpose. It refers to the act of starting a trip or embarking on a specific endeavor.
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set off on
The idiom "set off on" means to begin a journey or undertaking. It implies starting a new adventure or embarking on a particular path or course of action.
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set off alarm bells
The idiom "set off alarm bells" means to trigger a sense of caution, suspicion, or unease about something. It suggests that something has occurred or been said that raises concerns or produces a warning signal, similar to the way alarm bells are rung to alert people of danger.
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set off
To begin a journey or trip, or to trigger a reaction or response.
Similar spelling word for SET OFF
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