Meaning
The phrasal verb set off has several meanings depending on context:
-
To begin a journey or trip → "We set off early in the morning."
-
To cause something (such as an alarm, explosion, or reaction) to start → "The smoke set off the fire alarm."
-
To make something noticeable by contrast or decoration → "Her red dress set off her pale skin."
-
To cause a chain reaction or strong emotion → "His rude comment set off an argument."
Grammar and Usage
-
Verb type: Phrasal verb (transitive or intransitive depending on meaning)
-
Structures:
- set off + for + place (begin a journey) "They set off for London."
- set off + noun (cause to start) "He set off the alarm."
- set off + object (make something noticeable) "The jewelry sets off her outfit."
Common Phrases
- set off an alarm
- set off fireworks
- set off a trip
- set off an argument
Collocations
- verb + set off: accidentally set off, deliberately set off
- noun + set off: fire alarm set off, trip set off
- adjective + set off: beautifully set off, dramatically set off
Examples
- We set off at dawn to reach the mountain before noon.
- The burglars set off the security alarm.
- The teacher’s comment set off a heated debate.
- Her bright scarf really set off her dark eyes.
- The fireworks set off a loud bang.
- His laughter set off the whole group.
- They set off for the airport as soon as they got the call.
- The speech set off a wave of protests.
Synonyms or Related
- begin a journey: depart, leave, start out
- cause to happen: trigger, activate, spark
- make noticeable: highlight, enhance, accentuate
Antonym
- begin a journey: stay, remain
- cause to happen: prevent, stop, suppress