The most defined word in the whole language. From my reading, you can use it whenever, where ever you want...
Main Entry: set
Pronunciation: 'set
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): set; set·ting
Etymology: Middle English setten, from Old English settan; akin to Old High German sezzen to set, Old English sittan to sit
transitive verb
1 : to cause to sit : place in or on a seat
2 a : to put (a fowl) on eggs to hatch them b : to put (eggs) for hatching under a fowl or into an incubator
3 : to place (oneself) in position to start running in a race
4 a : to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability <set a ladder against the wall> <set a stone on the grave> b : TRANSPLANT 1 <set seedlings> c (1) : to make (as a trap) ready to catch prey (2) : to fix (a hook) firmly into the jaw of a fish d : to put aside (as dough containing yeast) for fermenting
5 : to direct with fixed attention <set your mind to it>
6 a : to cause to assume a specified condition, relation, or occupation <slaves were set free> <set the house on fire> b : to cause the start of <set a fire>
7 a : to appoint or assign to an office or duty b : POST, STATION
8 : to cause to assume a specified posture or position <set the door ajar>
9 a : to fix as a distinguishing imprint, sign, or appearance <the years have set their mark on him> b : AFFIX c : APPLY <set a match to kindling>
10 : to fix or decide on as a time, limit, or regulation : PRESCRIBE <set a wedding day> <set the rules for the game>
11 a : to establish as the highest level or best performance <set a record for the half mile> b : to furnish as a pattern or model <set an example of generosity> c : to allot as a task <setting lessons for the children to work upon at home -- Manchester Examiner>
12 a : to adjust (a device and especially a measuring device) to a desired position <set the alarm for 7:00> <set a thermostat at 68>; also : to adjust (as a clock) in conformity with a standard b : to restore to normal position or connection when dislocated or fractured <set a broken bone> c : to spread to the wind <set the sails>
13 a : to put in order for use <set a place for a guest> b : to make scenically ready for a performance <set the stage> c (1) : to arrange (type) for printing <set type by hand> (2) : to put into type or its equivalent (as on film) <set the first word in italic>
14 a : to put a fine edge on by grinding or honing <set a razor> b : to bend slightly the tooth points of (a saw) alternately in opposite directions c : to sink (the head of a nail) below the surface
15 : to fix in a desired position (as by heating or stretching)
16 : to arrange (hair) in a desired style by using implements (as curlers, rollers, or clips) and gels or lotions
17 a : to adorn with something affixed or infixed : STUD, DOT <clear sky set with stars> b : to fix (as a precious stone) in a border of metal : place in a setting c : to place in a specified literary or dramatic setting <a story set in Paris>
18 a : to hold something in regard or esteem at the rate of <sets a great deal by daily exercise> b : to place in a relative rank or category <set duty before pleasure> c : to fix at a certain amount <set bail at $500> d : VALUE, RATE <their promises were set at naught> e : to place as an estimate of worth <set a high value on life>
19 : to place in relation for comparison or balance <theory set against practice>
20 a : to direct to action b : to incite to attack or antagonism <war sets brother against brother>
21 a : to place by transporting <was set ashore on the island> b : to put in motion c : to put and fix in a direction <set our faces toward home once more> d of a dog : to point out the position of (game) by holding a fixed attitude
22 : to defeat (an opponent or a contract) in bridge
23 a : to fix firmly : make immobile : give rigid form or condition to <set her jaw in determination> b : to make unyielding or obstinate
24 : to cause to become firm or solid <set milk for cheese>
25 : to cause (as fruit or seed) to develop
