Definition

1. Verb:

   • To set again or differently: To adjust something to a new or original position, value, or condition.
   • To set to zero: To return a measuring device, counter, or system to a starting point, often zero.
   • To cause a device to restart: To clear its current state and reload its operating system or basic functions.

2. Noun:

   • The act of resetting: The action of setting something again.
   • A device for resetting: A button or mechanism used to perform a reset function.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Please reset the thermostat to 68 degrees.
  • After the error, the technician had to reset the machine.
  • The system will automatically reset the counter at midnight.
• Noun:
  • A factory reset will erase all your data.
  • Press the small reset button on the back of the router.

Advanced Usage

• "To reset one's expectations": To adjust one's hopes or assumptions based on new information.
  • After seeing the initial results, we had to reset our expectations for the project.
• "To reset the clock": Figuratively, to start a time period over again.
  • The successful negotiation reset the clock on the peace talks.

Variants and Related Words

• Resettable (adj): Capable of being reset.
  • The timer is resettable with a simple button press.
• Reset (as an adjective in compound terms): Used in terms like "reset button" or "reset password".
  • I forgot my password and had to use the reset link.

Synonyms

• Restart: To start again.
• Readjust: To adjust again.
• Reinitialize: To prepare a system to start again.
• Zero: To set to a value of zero.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Reset" is typically not used with particles to form phrasal verbs. The action is generally expressed as "reset" alone or with a preposition like "to"). - Reset to: To change the setting back to a specific state. - You can reset the device to its factory defaults.

Related Idioms

• "Hit the reset button": To start something over completely; to make a fresh start.
  • After the merger, the company decided to hit the reset button on its branding.

Noun

1. device for resetting instruments or controls

Verb

1. adjust again after an initial failure
2. set to zero
   • reset instruments and dials
3. set anew
   • They re-set the date on the clock