phrasal verb 'set off'
Phrasal verbMain meaning
set off
[set ɒf]
to start a journey

Other meanings

  • to trigger something (e.g., an alarm or explosion)
  • to cause a reaction or series of events
  • to highlight something by contrast
  • to make something start happening (e.g., laughter, emotions)

Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "set off"

  • We set off early to avoid traffic.
  • He accidentally set off the fire alarm.
  • Her comment set off a heated debate.
  • The blue dress really sets off her eyes.
  • His joke set off a wave of laughter.

Features of Using "set off"

Separability:Optionally separable Transitivity:Transitive Level:B1 Particle:off

Used both literally (starting movement) and figuratively (causing reactions). Often found in storytelling, news, or descriptions. Some meanings are emotional or stylistic.

Other phrasal verbs with the verb set

setup

set up

to establish or arrange something
set apart

set apart

to make something or someone different, distinctive, or special