Lot vs. Set — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
"Lot" often refers to a group or portion of items considered collectively, typically in the context of auctions or sales, while "set" denotes a collection of distinct items that are related or used together.
Difference Between Lot and Set
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A "lot" can refer to a batch of items grouped together for sale, such as in auctions where items are sold in lots. On the other hand, a "set" is usually a collection of objects that belong together because they serve a common purpose or share a similar characteristic, like a set of dishes or tools.
In real estate, "lot" denotes a piece of land designated as a distinct property, which can be part of a larger area. Whereas a "set" in mathematics represents a collection of elements that are considered as a single entity under certain conditions or rules.
The usage of "lot" in the phrase "a lot of" indicates a large quantity or number of items or people, emphasizing quantity without specificity. Conversely, "set" can imply completeness or the idea of being fixed and unchangeable, as in a settled schedule.
In entertainment, a "lot" can also mean a movie studio's property with various sets and buildings for filming. In contrast, a "set" in the context of a play or movie refers specifically to the background and props constructed to create the scene's environment.
The term "lot" carries connotations of fate or destiny in certain cultural contexts, suggesting an element of chance or allocation, such as drawing lots. In contrast, a "set" often connotes intentionality and design, like setting a goal or setting a table.
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Comparison Chart
Usage in context
Group of items for sale
Collection of related items
Example in real estate
Piece of land
Not applicable
Mathematical usage
Not typically used
Collection of elements
Quantity implication
Large number or quantity
Completeness or entirety
Connotation
Chance or fate
Intentionality and design
Compare with Definitions
Lot
A portion or parcel of land.
They bought a lot on which to build their house.
Set
A collection of objects that are designed to be used together.
She received a set of golf clubs for her birthday.
Lot
A movie studio’s shooting area.
The tour included a visit to the studio lot where famous films were shot.
Set
The scenery constructed for a play or film.
The set for the new Broadway show was breathtaking.
Lot
A group of goods or items sold together in an auction.
She placed the highest bid for the antique furniture lot.
Set
A mathematical term for a collection of distinct elements.
Let S be a set containing the elements 1, 2, and 3.
Lot
Fate or destiny.
It's just my lot in life to be a pioneer.
Set
A group of exercises in a workout routine.
He completed three sets of ten push-ups.
Lot
A large number or amount.
We have a lot of assignments this semester.
Set
A fixed state or condition.
Her decision was set and she wouldn’t change her mind.
Lot
A large number or amount; a great deal
We had lots of fun
A lot can happen in eight months
They took a lot of abuse
There are a lot of actors in the cast
Set
Put, lay, or stand (something) in a specified place or position
Catherine set a chair by the bed
Delaney set the mug of tea down
Lot
A great deal; much
Thanks a lot
He played tennis a lot last year
Set
Put or bring into a specified state
The hostages were set free
The Home Secretary set in motion a review of the law
Lot
A river of southern France, which rises in the Auvergne and flows 480 km (300 miles) west to meet the River Garonne south-east of Bordeaux.
Set
Adjust (a clock or watch), typically to show the right time
Set your watch immediately to local time at your destination
To revert to an old style would be to try to set back the clock and deny the progress which had been made
Lot
(in the Bible) the nephew of Abraham, who was allowed to escape from the destruction of Sodom (Gen. 19). His wife, who disobeyed orders and looked back, was turned into a pillar of salt.
Set
Harden into a solid or semi-solid state
Cook for a further thirty-five minutes until the filling has set
Lot
Divide (items) into lots for sale at an auction
The contents have already been lotted up, and the auction takes place on Monday
Set
(of the sun, moon, or another celestial body) appear to move towards and below the earth's horizon as the earth rotates
The sun was setting and a warm red glow filled the sky
Lot
A large extent, amount, or number
Is in a lot of trouble.
Has lots of friends.
Set
(of a tide or current) take or have a specified direction or course
A fair tide can be carried well past Land's End before the stream sets to the north
Lot
Used adverbially to mean "to a great degree or extent" or "frequently"
Felt a lot better.
Ran lots faster.
Doesn't go out a whole lot.
Has seen her lots lately.
Set
Start (a fire)
The school had been broken into and the fire had been set
Lot
A number of associated people or things
Placating an angry lot of tenants.
Kids who were a noisy lot.
Set
(of blossom or a tree) form into or produce (fruit)
Wait until first flowers have set fruit before planting out the peppers
Lot
Miscellaneous articles sold as one unit
A lot of stamps sold at an auction.
Set
Sit
The rest of them people just set there goggle-eyed for a minute
Lot
An individual of a particular kind or type
That dog is a contented lot.
Set
Group (pupils or students) in sets according to ability.
Lot
A piece of land having specific boundaries, especially one constituting a part of a city, town, or block.
Set
A group or collection of things that belong together or resemble one another or are usually found together
A spare set of clothes
A set of false teeth
A new cell with two sets of chromosomes
Lot
A piece of land used for a given purpose
A parking lot.
Set
The way in which something is set, disposed, or positioned
The shape and set of the eyes
Lot
The complete grounds of a film studio.
Set
A radio or television receiver
A TV set
Lot
The outdoor area of a film studio.
Set
A collection of scenery, stage furniture, and other articles used for a particular scene in a play or film.
Lot
An object used in making a determination or choice at random
Casting lots to see who will go first.
Set
An arrangement of the hair when damp so that it dries in the required style
A shampoo and set
Lot
The use of objects in making a determination or choice at random
Chosen by lot.
Set
A cutting, young plant, or bulb used in the propagation of new plants.
Lot
The determination or choice so made
The lot fell on the widow's only son.
Set
The last coat of plaster on a wall.
Lot
One's fortune in life; one's fate
It was her lot to struggle for years in obscurity.
Set
The amount of spacing in type controlling the distance between letters.
Lot
To apportion by lots; allot.
Set
Variant spelling of sett
Lot
To divide (land) into lots.
Set
Another term for plant (sense 4 of the noun)
Lot
To divide (goods) into lots for sale.
Set
Fixed or arranged in advance
Try to feed the puppy at set times each day
Lot
A large quantity or number; a great deal.
To spend a lot of money
Lots of people think so
Set
Ready, prepared, or likely to do something
Water costs look set to increase
The first family was set for a quiet night of rest
Both are all set to get married
Lot
A separate portion; a number of things taken collectively.
A lot of stationery
Set
To put in a specified position or arrangement; place
Set a book on a table.
Set the photo next to the flowers.
Lot
One or more items auctioned or sold as a unit, separate from other items.
Set
To put into a specified state
Set the prisoner at liberty.
Set the house ablaze.
Set the machine in motion.
Lot
(informal) A number of people taken collectively.
A sorry lot
A bad lot
Set
To cause to begin an action
The noise set the dog to barking.
Lot
A distinct portion or plot of land, usually smaller than a field.
A building lot in a city
Set
To cause or assign (someone) to undertake an action or perform a service
The sergeant set the recruit to sweeping the barracks.
Lot
That which happens without human design or forethought.
Set
To incite to hostile feeling or action
A dispute that set the neighbors against each other.
Lot
Anything (as a die, pebble, ball, or slip of paper) used in determining a question by chance, or without human choice or will.
To cast lots
To draw lots
Set
To position (oneself) so as to be ready to do something, such as start running a race.
Lot
The part, or fate, that falls to one, as it were, by chance, or without one's planning.
Set
To position or secure so as to be fixed or immobile
Set the fence post in cement.
Lot
A prize in a lottery.
Set
To put in a mounting; mount
Set an emerald in a pendant.
Lot
Allotment; lottery.
Set
To apply jewels to; stud
The tiara was set with diamonds.
Lot
All members of a set; everything.
The table was loaded with food, but by evening there was nothing but crumbs; we had eaten the lot.
If I were in charge, I'd fire the lot of them.
Set
To cause (a hook) to become fixed in a fish's mouth.
Lot
(historic) An old unit of weight used in many European countries from the Middle Ages, often defined as 1/30 or 1/32 of a (local) pound.
Set
To arrange for the consumption of a meal
Set the table.
Set a place at table.
Lot
To allot; to sort; to apportion.
Set
To adjust (an instrument or device) to a specific point or calibration
Set the alarm for 7:00.
Lot
To count or reckon (on or upon).
Set
To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
Lot
That which happens without human design or forethought; chance; accident; hazard; fortune; fate.
But save my life, which lot before your foot doth lay.
Set
To adjust (a saw) by deflecting the teeth.
Lot
Anything (as a die, pebble, ball, or slip of paper) used in determining a question by chance, or without man's choice or will; as, to cast or draw lots.
The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
If we draw lots, he speeds.
Set
(Nautical)To spread open to the wind
Set the sails.
Lot
The part, or fate, which falls to one, as it were, by chance, or without his planning.
O visions ill foreseen! Each day's lot'sEnough to bear.
He was but born to tryThe lot of man - to suffer and to die.
Set
To arrange scenery on (a theater stage).
Lot
A separate portion; a number of things taken collectively; all objects sold in a single purchase transaction; as, a lot of stationery; - colloquially, sometimes of people; as, a sorry lot; a bad lot.
I, this winter, met with a very large lot of English heads, chiefly of the reign of James I.
Set
To restore to a proper and normal state when dislocated or broken
Set a broken arm.
Lot
A distinct portion or plot of land, usually smaller than a field; as, a building lot in a city.
The defendants leased a house and lot in the city of New York.
Set
To apply equipment, such as curlers and clips, to (hair) in order to style.
Lot
A large quantity or number; a great deal; as, to spend a lot of money; to waste a lot of time on line; lots of people think so.
He wrote to her . . . he might be detained in London by a lot of business.
Set
To concentrate or direct (one's mind or attention, for example) on a purpose or goal.
Lot
A prize in a lottery.
Set
To direct or focus (one's desires or hopes, for example) on a certain thing.
Lot
To allot; to sort; to portion.
Set
(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.
Lot
(often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent;
A batch of letters
A deal of trouble
A lot of money
He made a mint on the stock market
It must have cost plenty
Set
To arrange (type) into words and sentences preparatory to printing; compose.
Lot
A parcel of land having fixed boundaries;
He bought a lot on the lake
Set
To transpose (text, for example) into type.
Lot
Your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you);
Whatever my fortune may be
Deserved a better fate
Has a happy lot
The luck of the Irish
A victim of circumstances
Success that was her portion
Set
To compose (music) to fit a given text.
Lot
Any collection in its entirety;
She bought the whole caboodle
Set
To write (words) to fit a given melodic line.
Lot
An unofficial association of people or groups;
The smart set goes there
They were an angry lot
Set
To declare or demonstrate (a precedent or standard, for instance).
Lot
Anything (straws or pebbles etc.) taken or chosen at random;
The luck of the draw
They drew lots for it
Set
To provide or establish as a model
A parent must set a good example for the children.
Lot
(Old Testament) nephew of Abraham; God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah but chose to spare Lot and his family who were told to flee without looking back at the destruction
Set
To establish as the highest level of performance
Set a swimming record.
Lot
Divide into lots, as of land, for example
Set
To arrange or establish (a computer password, for example) to allow future action.
Lot
Administer or bestow, as in small portions;
Administer critical remarks to everyone present
Dole out some money
Shell out pocket money for the children
Deal a blow to someone
Set
To prescribe as a time for
Set the meeting for Friday afternoon.
Set
To prescribe the unfolding of (a drama or narrative, for instance) in a specific place
A play that is set in Venice.
Set
To value or regard something at the rate of
She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
Set
To fix at a given amount
The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
Set
To make as an estimate of worth
We set a high value on human life.
Set
To cause to sit
Set yourself over by the fire.
Set
To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
Set
To point to the location of (game) by holding a fixed body position. Used of a hunting dog.
Set
(Botany)To produce, as after pollination
Set seed.
Set
To disappear below the horizon
The sun set at seven that evening.
Set
To diminish or decline; wane
When the glory of the empire set.
Set
To sit on eggs. Used of fowl.
Set
To become fixed; harden
Allowed the aspic to set.
Set
To become permanent. Used of dye.
Set
To become whole; knit. Used of a broken bone.
Set
To point to the location of game by holding a fixed body position. Used of a hunting dog.
Set
(Botany)To mature or develop, as after pollination.
Set
(Nonstandard)To sit
"If Emmett drives, I could set up front" (Bobbie Ann Mason).
Set
To position oneself preparatory to an action, such as running a race.
Set
Fixed or established by agreement
A set time for the launching.
Set
Established by convention
Followed set procedures for filing a grievance.
Set
Established deliberately; intentional
Our set purpose is to win the conflict.
Set
Fixed and rigid
"His bearded face already has a set, hollow look" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
Set
Unwilling or very reluctant to change
He is set in his ways.
Set
Intent and determined
"He is dead set against rushing abroad to build a plant" (Fortune).
Set
Ready; prepared
We are set to leave early tomorrow morning.
Set
The act or process of setting.
Set
The condition resulting from setting.
Set
The manner in which something is positioned
The set of her cap.
Set
A permanent firming or hardening of a substance, as by cooling.
Set
The deflection of the teeth of a saw.
Set
The carriage or bearing of a part of the body.
Set
A particular psychological state, usually that of anticipation or preparedness
"The mental set of an audience is crucial to his performance" (Psychology Today).
Set
A descent below the horizon.
Set
The direction or course of wind or water.
Set
A seedling, slip, or cutting that is ready for planting.
Set
The act of arranging hair by waving and curling it.
Set
(Sports)The act of setting a volleyball for a teammate.
Set
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.
Set
A group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
A chess set.
Set
A group of persons sharing a common interest
The high-school set.
Set
A group of books or periodicals published as a unit.
Set
A number of couples required for participation in a square dance.
Set
The movements constituting a square dance.
Set
The scenery constructed for a theatrical performance.
Set
The entire enclosure in which a movie is filmed; the sound stage.
Set
A session of music, typically dance music, played before an intermission.
Set
The music so played.
Set
The collective receiving apparatus assembled to operate a radio or television.
Set
(Mathematics) A collection of distinct elements having specific common properties
A set of positive integers.
Set
A group of games constituting one division or unit of a match, as in tennis.
Set
An offensive formation in football or basketball.
Set
Variant of Seth2.
Set
(transitive) To put (something) down, to rest.
Pick up
Set the tray there.
Set
(transitive) To attach or affix (something) to something else, or in or upon a certain place.
I have set my heart on running the marathon.
Set
(transitive) To put in a specified condition or state; to cause to be.
Set
(transitive) To start (a fire).
Set
To cause to stop or stick; to obstruct; to fasten to a spot.
To set a coach in the mud
Set
(transitive) To determine or settle.
To set the rent
Set
(transitive) To adjust.
Set
(transitive) To punch (a nail) into wood so that its head is below the surface.
Set
(transitive) To arrange with dishes and cutlery, to set the table.
Please set the table for our guests.
Set
(transitive) To introduce or describe.
I’ll tell you what happened, but first let me set the scene.
Set
(transitive) To locate (a play, etc.); to assign a backdrop to, geographically or temporally.
He says he will set his next film in France.
Her debut novel is set during the U.S. Civil War.
Set
(transitive) To compile, to make (a puzzle or challenge).
This crossword was set by Araucaria.
Set
(transitive) To prepare (a stage or film set).
Set
(transitive) To fit (someone) up in a situation.
Set
(transitive) To arrange (type).
It was a complex page, but he set it quickly.
Set
(transitive) To devise and assign (work) to.
The teacher set her students the task of drawing a foot.
Set
To direct (the ball) to a teammate for an attack.
Set
(intransitive) To solidify.
The glue sets in five minutes.
Set
(transitive) To render stiff or solid; especially, to convert into curd; to curdle.
To set milk for cheese
Set
(intransitive) Of a heavenly body, to disappear below the horizon of a planet, etc, as the latter rotates.
The moon sets at eight o'clock tonight.
Set
To defeat a contract.
Set
To begin to move; to go forth.
Set
To produce after pollination.
To set seed
Set
To be fixed for growth; to strike root; to begin to germinate or form.
Set
To sit be in a seated position.
He sets in that chair all day.
Set
To hunt game with the aid of a setter.
Set
Of a dog, to indicate the position of game.
The dog sets the bird.
Your dog sets well.
Set
To apply oneself; to undertake earnestly.
Set
(ambitransitive) To fit music to words.
Set
(ambitransitive) To place plants or shoots in the ground; to plant.
To set pear trees in an orchard
Set
To become fixed or rigid; to be fastened.
Set
To have a certain direction of motion; to flow; to move on; to tend.
The current sets to the north; the tide sets to the windward.
Set
To acknowledge a dancing partner by facing him or her and moving first to one side and then to the other, while she or he does the opposite.
Set to partners! was the next instruction from the caller.
Set
To place or fix in a setting.
To set a precious stone in a border of metal
To set glass in a sash
Set
To put in order in a particular manner; to prepare.
To set (that is, to hone) a razor
To set a saw
Set
To extend and bring into position; to spread.
To set the sails of a ship
Set
To give a pitch to, as a tune; to start by fixing the keynote.
Set
To reduce from a dislocated or fractured state.
To set a broken bone
Set
(masonry) To lower into place and fix solidly, as the blocks of cut stone in a structure.
Set
(obsolete) To wager in gambling; to risk.
Set
To adorn with something infixed or affixed; to stud; to variegate with objects placed here and there.
Set
(obsolete) To value; to rate; used with at.
Set
To establish as a rule; to furnish; to prescribe; to assign.
To set a good example
Set
(Scotland) To suit; to become.
It sets him ill.
Set
To divide a class group in a subject according to ability
Set
A punch for setting nails in wood.
Nail set
Set
A device for receiving broadcast radio waves (or, more recently, broadcast data); a radio or television.
Television set
Set
: a hole made and lived in by a badger.
Set
: pattern of threads and yarns.
Set
: piece of quarried stone.
Set
(horticulture) A small tuber or bulb used instead of seed, particularly onion sets and potato sets.
Set
The amount the teeth of a saw protrude to the side in order to create the kerf.
Set
(engineering) A permanent change of shape caused by excessive strain, as from compression, tension, bending, twisting, etc.
The set of a spring
Set
A bias of mind; an attitude or pattern of behaviour.
Set
(piledriving) A piece placed temporarily upon the head of a pile when the latter cannot otherwise be reached by the weight, or hammer.
Set
The width of the body of a type.
Set
A young oyster when first attached.
Set
Collectively, the crop of young oysters in any locality.
Set
A series or group of something. (Note the similar meaning in Etymology 4, Noun)
Set
(colloquial) The manner, state, or quality of setting or fitting; fit.
The set of a coat
Set
The pattern of a tartan, etc.
Set
The camber of a curved roofing tile.
Set
The full number of eggs set under a hen.
Set
That which is staked; a wager; hence, a gambling game.
Set
A young plant fit for setting out; a slip; shoot.
Set
A rudimentary fruit.
Set
The setting of the sun or other luminary; (by extension) the close of the day.
Set
General movement; direction; drift; tendency.
Set
A matching collection of similar things. (Note the similar meaning in Etymology 2, Noun.)
A set of tables
Set
A collection of various objects for a particular purpose.
A set of tools
Set
An object made up of several parts.
A set of steps
Set
(set theory) A collection of zero or more objects, possibly infinite in size, and disregarding any order or repetition of the objects which may be contained within it.
Set
Set theory.
Set
A group of people, usually meeting socially.
The country set
Set
The scenery for a film or play.
Set
The general locations and area where a movie’s, a film’s, or a video’s scenery is arranged to be filmed also including places for actors, assorted crew, director, producers which are typically not filmed.
Set
(dance) The initial or basic formation of dancers.
Set
(exercise) A group of repetitions of a single exercise performed one after the other without rest.
Set
(tennis) A complete series of games, forming part of a match.
Set
(volleyball) A complete series of points, forming part of a match.
Set
(volleyball) The act of directing the ball to a teammate for an attack.
Set
(music) A musical performance by a band, disc jockey, etc., consisting of several musical pieces.
Set
(music) A drum kit, a drum set.
He plays the set on Saturdays.
Set
A class group in a subject where pupils are divided by ability.
Set
Three of a kind, especially if two cards are in one's hand and the third is on the board. Compare three of a kind, especially with two cards on the board and one in one's hand.
Set
Fixed in position.
Set
Rigid, solidified.
Set
Ready, prepared.
On your marks, get set, go!;
On your marks, set, go!
Set
Intent, determined (to do something).
Set on getting to his destination
Set
Prearranged.
A t=a meal that is instituted by a [[restaurateur for a limited occasion
Set
Fixed in one’s opinion.
I’m set against the idea of smacking children to punish them.
Set
(of hair) Fixed in a certain style.
Set
To cause to sit; to make to assume a specified position or attitude; to give site or place to; to place; to put; to fix; as, to set a house on a stone foundation; to set a book on a shelf; to set a dish on a table; to set a chest or trunk on its bottom or on end.
I do set my bow in the cloud.
Set
Hence, to attach or affix (something) to something else, or in or upon a certain place.
Set your affection on things above.
The Lord set a mark upon Cain.
Set
To make to assume specified place, condition, or occupation; to put in a certain condition or state (described by the accompanying words); to cause to be.
The Lord thy God will set thee on high.
I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother.
Every incident sets him thinking.
Set
To fix firmly; to make fast, permanent, or stable; to render motionless; to give an unchanging place, form, or condition to.
Set
To cause to stop or stick; to obstruct; to fasten to a spot; hence, to occasion difficulty to; to embarrass; as, to set a coach in the mud.
They show how hard they are set in this particular.
Set
To put into a desired position or condition; to adjust; to regulate; to adapt.
Set
To fix beforehand; to determine; hence, to make unyielding or obstinate; to render stiff, unpliant, or rigid; as, to set one's countenance.
His eyes were set by reason of his age.
On these three objects his heart was set.
Make my heart as a millstone, set my face as a flint.
Set
To put in order in a particular manner; to prepare; as, to set (that is, to hone) a razor; to set a saw.
Tables for to sette, and beddes make.
Set
To stake at play; to wager; to risk.
I have set my life upon a cast,And I will stand the hazard of the die.
Set
To fix in the ground, as a post or a tree; to plant; as, to set pear trees in an orchard.
Set
To extend and bring into position; to spread; as, to set the sails of a ship.
Set
To fit with music; to adapt, as words to notes; to prepare for singing.
Set thy own songs, and sing them to thy lute.
Set
To fix, as a precious stone, in a border of metal; to place in a setting; hence, to place in or amid something which serves as a setting; as, to set glass in a sash.
And him too rich a jewel to be setIn vulgar metal for a vulgar use.
Set
To give a pitch to, as a tune; to start by fixing the keynote; as, to set a psalm.
Set
To determine; to appoint; to assign; to fix; as, to set a time for a meeting; to set a price on a horse.
Set
To render stiff or solid; especially, to convert into curd; to curdle; as, to set milk for cheese.
Set
To reduce from a dislocated or fractured state; to replace; as, to set a broken bone.
Set
To adorn with something infixed or affixed; to stud; to variegate with objects placed here and there.
High on their heads, with jewels richly set,Each lady wore a radiant coronet.
Pastoral dales thin set with modern farms.
Set
To make to agree with some standard; as, to set a watch or a clock.
Set
To value; to rate; - with at.
Be you contented, wearing now the garland,To have a son set your decrees at naught.
I do not set my life at a pin's fee.
Set
To lower into place and fix solidly, as the blocks of cut stone in a structure.
Set
To point out the seat or position of, as birds, or other game; - said of hunting dogs.
Set
To establish as a rule; to furnish; to prescribe; to assign; as, to set an example; to set lessons to be learned.
Set
To suit; to become; as, it sets him ill.
Set
To compose; to arrange in words, lines, etc.; as, to set type; to set a page.
Setting aside all other considerations, I will endeavor to know the truth, and yield to that.
Some rules were to be set down for the government of the army.
This law we may name eternal, being that order which God . . . hath set down with himself, for himself to do all things by.
The Venetian admiral had a fleet of sixty galleys, set forth by the Venetians.
If you please to assist and set me in, I will recollect myself.
They . . . set off the worst faces with the best airs.
An ugly woman, in rich habit set out with jewels, nothing can become.
The Venetians pretend they could set out, in case of great necessity, thirty men-of-war.
I could set out that best side of Luther.
I'll set up such a note as she shall hear.
Set
To pass below the horizon; to go down; to decline; to sink out of sight; to come to an end.
Ere the weary sun set in the west.
Thus this century sets with little mirth, and the next is likely to arise with more mourning.
Set
To fit music to words.
Set
To place plants or shoots in the ground; to plant.
Set
To be fixed for growth; to strike root; to begin to germinate or form; as, cuttings set well; the fruit has set well (i. e., not blasted in the blossom).
Set
To become fixed or rigid; to be fastened.
A gathering and serring of the spirits together to resist, maketh the teeth to set hard one against another.
Set
To congeal; to concrete; to solidify; - of cements, glues, gels, concrete, substances polymerizing into plastics, etc.
That fluid substance in a few minutes begins to set.
Set
To have a certain direction in motion; to flow; to move on; to tend; as, the current sets to the north; the tide sets to the windward.
Set
To begin to move; to go out or forth; to start; - now followed by out.
The king is set from London.
Set
To indicate the position of game; - said of a dog; as, the dog sets well; also, to hunt game by the aid of a setter.
Set
To apply one's self; to undertake earnestly; - now followed by out.
If he sets industriously and sincerely to perform the commands of Christ, he can have no ground of doubting but it shall prove successful to him.
Set
To fit or suit one; to sit; as, the coat sets well.
He that would seriously set upon the search of truth.
Cassio hath here been set on in the dark.
Those men who set up for mortality without regard to religion, are generally but virtuous in part.
Set
Fixed in position; immovable; rigid; as, a set line; a set countenance.
Set
Firm; unchanging; obstinate; as, set opinions or prejudices.
Set
Regular; uniform; formal; as, a set discourse; a set battle.
Set
Established; prescribed; as, set forms of prayer.
Set
Adjusted; arranged; formed; adapted.
Set
The act of setting, as of the sun or other heavenly body; descent; hence, the close; termination.
The weary sun hath made a golden set.
Set
That which is set, placed, or fixed.
We will in France, by God's grace, play a setShall strike his father's crown into the hazard.
That was but civil war, an equal set.
Set
Permanent change of figure in consequence of excessive strain, as from compression, tension, bending, twisting, etc.; as, the set of a spring.
Set
A number of things of the same kind, ordinarily used or classed together; a collection of articles which naturally complement each other, and usually go together; an assortment; a suit; as, a set of chairs, of china, of surgical or mathematical instruments, of books, etc.
Set
A kind of punch used for bending, indenting, or giving shape to, metal; as, a saw set.
Set
A number of persons associated by custom, office, common opinion, quality, or the like; a division; a group; a clique.
This falls into different divisions, or sets, of nations connected under particular religions.
Set
A piece placed temporarily upon the head of a pile when the latter cannot be reached by the weight, or hammer, except by means of such an intervening piece.
Set
Direction or course; as, the set of the wind, or of a current.
Set
A short steel spike used for driving the head of a nail below the surface. Called also nail set.
Set
In dancing, the number of persons necessary to execute a quadrille; also, the series of figures or movements executed.
Set
The deflection of a tooth, or of the teeth, of a saw, which causes the the saw to cut a kerf, or make an opening, wider than the blade.
Set
A young oyster when first attached.
Set
A series of as many games as may be necessary to enable one side to win six. If at the end of the tenth game the score is a tie, the set is usually called a deuce set, and decided by an application of the rules for playing off deuce in a game. See Deuce.
Set
That dimension of the body of a type called by printers the width.
Set
Any of various standards of measurement of the fineness of cloth; specif., the number of reeds in one inch and the number of threads in each reed. The exact meaning varies according to the location where it is used. Sometimes written sett.
Set
A stone, commonly of granite, shaped like a short brick and usually somewhat larger than one, used for street paving. Commonly written sett.
Set
Camber of a curved roofing tile.
Set
The manner, state, or quality of setting or fitting; fit; as, the set of a coat.
Set
Any collection or group of objects considered together.
Set
An evil beast-headed god with high square ears and a long snout; his was the brother and murderer of Osiris. Called also Seth
Set
A group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used;
A set of books
A set of golf clubs
A set of teeth
Set
(mathematics) an abstract collection of numbers or symbols;
The set of prime numbers is infinite
Set
Several exercises intended to be done in series;
He did four sets of the incline bench press
Set
Representation consisting of the scenery and other properties used to identify the location of a dramatic production;
The sets were meticulously authentic
Set
An unofficial association of people or groups;
The smart set goes there
They were an angry lot
Set
A relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way;
The set of his mind was obvious
Set
The act of putting something in position;
He gave a final set to his hat
Set
A unit of play in tennis or squash;
They played two sets of tennis after dinner
Set
The process of becoming hard or solid by cooling or drying or crystallization;
The hardening of concrete
He tested the set of the glue
Set
Evil beast-headed Egyptian god with high square ears and a long snout; brother and murderer of Osiris
Set
The descent of a heavenly body below the horizon;
Before the set of sun
Set
(psychology) a temporary readiness to respond in a particular way;
The subjects' set led them to solve problems the familiar way and to overlook the simpler solution
His instructions deliberately gave them the wrong set
Set
Any electronic equipment that receives or transmits radio or tv signals;
The early sets ran on storage batteries
Set
Put into a certain place or abstract location;
Put your things here
Set the tray down
Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children
Place emphasis on a certain point
Set
Fix conclusively or authoritatively;
Set the rules
Set
Decide upon or fix definitely;
Fix the variables
Specify the parameters
Set
Establish as the highest level or best performance;
Set a record
Set
Put into a certain state; cause to be in a certain state;
Set the house afire
Set
Fix in a border;
The goldsmith set the diamond
Set
Make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc;
Get the children ready for school!
Prepare for war
I was fixing to leave town after I paid the hotel bill
Set
Set to a certain position or cause to operate correctly;
Set clocks or instruments
Set
Locate;
The film is set in Africa
Set
Disappear beyond the horizon;
The sun sets early these days
Set
Adapt for performance in a different way;
Set this poem to music
Set
Put or set (seeds or seedlings) into the ground;
Let's plant flowers in the garden
Set
Apply or start;
Set fire to a building
Set
Become gelatinous;
The liquid jelled after we added the enzyme
Set
Put into a position that will restore a normal state;
Set a broken bone
Set
Insert (a nail or screw below the surface, as into a countersink)
Set
Give a fine, sharp edge to a knife or razor
Set
Urge a dog to attack someone
Set
Estimate;
We put the time of arrival at 8 P.M.
Set
Equip with sails, masts, etc.;
Rig a ship
Set
Get ready for a particular purpose or event;
Set up an experiment
Set the table
Lay out the tools for the surgery
Set
Alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard;
Adjust the clock, please
Correct the alignment of the front wheels
Set
Bear fruit;
The apple trees fructify
Set
Arrange attractively;
Dress my hair for the wedding
Set
(usually followed by `to' or `for') on the point of or strongly disposed;
In no fit state to continue
Fit to drop
Laughing fit to burst
She was fit to scream
Primed for a fight
We are set to go at any time
Set
Fixed and unmoving;
With eyes set in a fixed glassy stare
His bearded face already has a set hollow look
A face rigid with pain
Set
Situated in a particular spot or position;
Valuable centrally located urban land
Strategically placed artillery
A house set on a hilltop
Nicely situated on a quiet riverbank
Set
Set down according to a plan:
A carefully laid table with places set for four people
Stones laid in a pattern
Set
Being below the horizon;
The moon is set
Set
Determined or decided upon as by an authority;
Date and place are already determined
The dictated terms of surrender
The time set for the launching
Set
Converted to solid form (as concrete)
Common Curiosities
What is a parking lot?
A parking lot is a designated area where vehicles can be parked, typically laid out with marked spaces.
How do "lot" and "set" differ in theater?
In theater, "lot" doesn't have a specific usage, whereas "set" refers to the physical arrangement and scenery where the action takes place.
What does "set" imply in electronics?
In electronics, "set" often refers to the configuration of a device or system, such as setting up a computer.
How is "lot" used in the context of finance?
In finance, a "lot" can refer to a set quantity of a financial instrument, such as stocks, in a transaction.
Can "lot" refer to a type of measurement?
Yes, in different contexts "lot" can refer to a specific measured parcel of land or an amount of goods.
Can the term "lot" be used figuratively?
Yes, "lot" can be used figuratively to refer to one's fate or circumstances in life, as in "such is my lot."
Is there a specific way to use "set" in sports?
Yes, in sports like tennis and volleyball, "set" refers to a sequence of games or points played until a player or team wins a predetermined number.
What does "set" mean in terms of cooking?
In cooking, "set" refers to when a liquid becomes solid, as in "the jelly has set."
What is an empty set?
An empty set in mathematics is a set that contains no elements, symbolized by {} or ∅.
What is the difference between a full set and a partial set?
A full set includes all possible items that are meant to be together, while a partial set contains only some of these items.
What is a subset in relation to a set?
A subset is a portion of a set that contains some (or all) elements of the larger set but no others outside it.
What does "a job lot" mean in business?
A "job lot" refers to a batch of goods bought or sold together, often at a discount, because they are end-of-line, defective, or miscellaneous.
How does the meaning of "lot" change in religious texts?
In religious contexts, "lot" often refers to fate or divine will, such as the casting of lots to determine an outcome believed to be guided by a higher power.
Can "set" be a verb as well as a noun?
Yes, "set" can function as a verb meaning to place or put something in a particular position, or to fix something in a rigid state.
How is the concept of a "set" important in computer science?
In computer science, a "set" is an abstract data type that can store unique elements and is used in various algorithms and processes.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
