Pronunciation: /sɛt ɔf/

Definitions of set off

noun a collection of items or things that are grouped together or used together

Example Sentences

A1 I need to find my set off keys before we leave.

A2 The set off for the fireworks display will be at 9pm.

B1 The set off of the alarm caused chaos in the building.

B2 The set off of the car alarm woke up the entire neighborhood.

C1 The set off of the bomb was a devastating event for the city.

C2 The set off of the controversy led to widespread protests.

verb to start a journey or begin a trip

Example Sentences

A1 I set off for work early in the morning.

A2 She set off the alarm by accident.

B1 The fireworks set off a chain reaction of car alarms.

B2 The loud noise set off a panic among the crowd.

C1 The controversial decision set off a series of protests across the country.

C2 The new policy set off a heated debate among the members of the board.

adverb used to describe the act of starting a journey or trip

Example Sentences

A1 I set off for work early in the morning.

A2 She set off on her journey without any delays.

B1 The alarm clock set off a loud noise, waking everyone up.

B2 The fireworks display set off a series of colorful explosions in the sky.

C1 The controversial article set off a heated debate among the readers.

C2 The unexpected news set off a chain of events that changed the course of history.

Examples of set off in a Sentence

formal The explorers set off on their journey to discover new lands.

informal Let's set off early so we can beat the traffic.

slang We should set off before it gets too crowded.

figurative His rude comment set off a chain reaction of arguments among the group.

Grammatical Forms of set off

past tense

set off

plural

set offs

comparative

more set off

superlative

most set off

present tense

sets off

future tense

will set off

perfect tense

has set off

continuous tense

is setting off

singular

sets off

positive degree

set off

infinitive

to set off

gerund

setting off

participle

set off

Origin and Evolution of set off

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Middle English, Old French, Old English
Story behind the word: The term 'set off' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'set' meaning 'to place' and the Old English word 'off' meaning 'away'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase 'set off' evolved to mean to start a journey or to trigger something, such as an explosion or a reaction.