set off

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Thân thiện
Definition

  1. Verb (transitive):

    • To cause something to start or begin: To initiate a process, event, or reaction.
    • To cause something to explode: To trigger an explosive device or a sudden, violent release of energy.
    • To make something more noticeable by contrast: To enhance or draw attention to something by placing it next to something different.
    • To compensate for something: To counterbalance or make up for a disadvantage or difference.

  2. Verb (intransitive):

    • To begin a journey: To depart or start traveling to a place.
Examples of Usage

  • Verb (transitive):

    • The announcement could set off protests. (It could initiate or provoke protests.)
    • They set off the fireworks at midnight. (They caused the fireworks to explode.)
    • The red frame sets off the painting beautifully. (The frame makes the painting more noticeable by contrast.)
    • Her experience sets off her lack of formal qualifications. (Her experience compensates for her lack of formal qualifications.)

  • Verb (intransitive):

    • We will set off for the mountains at dawn. (We will begin our journey to the mountains at dawn.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to set off a chain reaction": to cause a series of events where each event causes the next.

    • The policy change set off a chain reaction of economic consequences.

  • "to set off alarm bells": to cause concern or warning signals (often figurative).

    • His strange behavior set off alarm bells for his friends.
Variants and Related Words
  • Offset (verb): To counterbalance or compensate for.
    • The advantages offset the disadvantages.
Synonyms
  • Trigger: To cause something to start, especially a reaction or process.
  • Activate: To make something start working.
  • Depart: To leave, especially to start a journey.
  • Accentuate: To emphasize or make more noticeable.
Related Phrasal Verbs

  • Set out: Similar to 'set off' in the sense of beginning a journey, but can also mean to start an undertaking or to explain something clearly.

    • They set out on a long voyage.
    • He set out his reasons for resigning.

  • Set in motion: To start a process.

    • The new law set the reforms in motion.
Related Idioms
  • Set the wheels in motion: To start a process.
    • She set the wheels in motion for the project's approval.
Verb
  1. provoke or stir up
    • incite a riot
    • set off great unrest among the people
  2. set in motion or cause to begin
    • The guide set the tour off to a good start
  3. make up for
    • His skills offset his opponent's superior strength
  4. cause to burst with a violent release of energy
    • We exploded the nuclear bomb
  5. direct attention to, as if by means of contrast
    • This dress accentuates your nice figure!
    • I set off these words by brackets
  6. leave
    • The family took off for Florida
  7. put in motion or move to act
    • trigger a reaction
    • actuate the circuits

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