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set out — to start a journey or begin to go somewhere

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to start a journey or begin to go somewhere

Pronunciation (IPA): /set aʊt/

Example Sentences

  • The detective set out to solve the case of the missing pizza, armed only with a magnifying glass and an empty stomach.
  • Every morning, my cat sets out on her important mission to knock everything off my desk.
  • The company set out its new policy in a 50-page document that nobody will actually read.

set out

VERB

[/set aʊt/]

to start a journey or begin to go somewhere

to start a journey or begin to go somewhere
💡 Concept

to start a journey or begin to go somewhere

Cut out the excess, get out, and set out!
🎵 Rhyme

Cut out the excess, get out, and set out!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/set aʊt/
🇬🇧 UK/set aʊt/

🌳Etymology

Rootset
Suffix-out

Origin

This phrasal verb combines Old English 'settan' (to place, put) and 'ūt' (out), forming a compound that emerged around the 12th century. Originally denoting the physical act of placing something outside, it gradually developed into an abstract sense meaning to begin a journey or pursue a goal.

Breakdown

set (Old English 'settan': to place, put) + out (Old English 'ūt': outside, outward). The combination evolved from literal spatial placement to figurative meanings of departure and purposeful action.

🎵Rhyme

get out
let out
cut out

🔗Collocations

set out early
set out on a journey
set out to achieve
set out plans
set out clearly
set out the facts

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The detective set out to solve the case of the missing pizza, armed only with a magnifying glass and an empty stomach.”

😄 Fun example

“Every morning, my cat sets out on her important mission to knock everything off my desk.”

😄 Fun example

“The company set out its new policy in a 50-page document that nobody will actually read.”

“We set out for the summit at 5 AM to avoid the crowds.”

😄 Fun example

“The researcher set out to prove that chocolate is actually a vegetable, but sadly failed.”

📚Related Words

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