dead set
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Completely determined or fixed in purpose; unyielding: Describes a person who is absolutely resolved and will not change their mind or course of action.
Usage
The adjective dead set is used to describe a state of absolute, unwavering determination. It is almost always followed by the preposition "on" (to show determination for something) or "against" (to show determination against something). It functions as a predicate adjective, coming after a linking verb like "is," "was," or "seems."
Examples
- With "on":
- She is dead set on becoming a doctor.
- They were dead set on finishing the project by Friday.
- With "against":
- The committee is dead set against any changes to the policy.
- My grandfather was dead set against the idea of moving.
Advanced Usage
- "Dead set on [verb]-ing": This is the most common construction, expressing a fixed intention to perform a specific action.
- He is dead set on proving his theory.
Variants and Related Words
- Dead-set (adjective, hyphenated variant): An alternative spelling, especially common in attributive position (before a noun).
- He has a dead-set determination that is hard to ignore.
Synonyms
- Bent on: Strongly inclined or determined to do something.
- Hell-bent on: Extremely determined, often recklessly so.
- Adamant: Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind.
- Resolute: Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.
Related Idioms
- Set in one's ways: Describes someone who is fixed in their habits and opinions and unwilling to change. (This is similar but emphasizes routine rather than a single purpose.)
- He's very set in his ways and doesn't like surprises.
Adjective
- fixed in your purpose
- bent on going to the theater
- dead set against intervening
- out to win every event