set down

phraseC12 meaningsNot compared — the two pools are counted one word at a time, so a phrase has no score

To set down is to write something so that it is on record. Fixed in words, and no longer only in somebody's memory.

It is formal, and rules, principles and conditions are set down in documents, which is where the phrase does most of its work. It splits round an object. There is a plain physical sense of putting something on a surface, and a transport sense, since a bus sets down passengers. Lay down does much the same job for rules and is slightly commoner.

Definitions of set down

1phraseset downTo record something formally in writing.C1
“The conditions are set down in the agreement.”
formal in this meaning — an editor’s judgement
2phraseputTo put something on a surface.B2
“He will set down the tray and leave without a word.”

Practised in Phrasal Verbs, A Man Called Ove

First appears in chapter 32 of A Man Called Ove.

Practise this word

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set down

phraseC12 meaningsNot compared — the two pools are counted one word at a time, so a phrase has no score

To set down is to write something so that it is on record. Fixed in words, and no longer only in somebody's memory.

Definitions of set down

1phraseset downTo record something formally in writing.C1
“The conditions are set down in the agreement.”
formal in this meaning — an editor’s judgement
2phraseputTo put something on a surface.B2
“He will set down the tray and leave without a word.”

Practised in Phrasal Verbs, A Man Called Ove

First appears in chapter 32 of A Man Called Ove.

Practise this word