set

/set/ verb (setting, set, set)

Definition

› [T] to arrange or decide on something: set a date/time Have you set a time for the next meeting?set a price/rate Individual franchises set their own prices.set sth at sth The initial annual bonus rate has been set at 6.75%. Have they set a deadline for applications?set a limit (on sth) The government has set new limits on spending. The state should look for a better way to set annual salaries. We must continue to set clear priorities.

› [T] to state a goal or standard that people should try to achieve: set a goal/target/standard When it comes to safety, we will set high standards and enforce them.

› [T] to give someone a task or piece of work to do, or tell them what they must achieve: set sb sth She was set the task of looking for ways to cut costs.set sb a goal/target/challenge Analysts said the bank had set itself a tough target of increasing its revenues by 6% per annum.

set up shop › informal COMMERCE to start a new business: They left for Switzerland and set up shop in Geneva.