to set down
13
3.8
- phrasal verb
- /sɛt daʊn/
:
poner por escrito
- Victorian philosophers attempted to discern what constitutes science and set down the protocols of the scientific method.
- set down in words
- set down guidelines
- set down principles
There were aspects of it that some people didn't like, but it did set down a kind of benchmark of sorts.
- There were aspects of it that some people didn't like, but it did set down a kind of benchmark of sorts.
- So there are technically clear definitions that were set down by the IAU, the International Astronomy Union.
Examples
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Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account.
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So first let me set down the appropriate terminology.
-
Other men live by the rules that society has set down.
-
- He has set down certain terms.
-
Coach says I gotta room with you, so let me set down the rules right now.
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However, laypeople also seem to follow the guidelines set down by the priest more closely than in the past.
Academic text (1996) -
Margaret Cavendish was clearly aware of the perils that attended every word she set down on the page.
Fiction book (1991) -
The committee decided to set down the new rules in a formal document.
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She plans to set down her thoughts on paper before the meeting next week.
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Before signing the contract, he wanted to set down all his conditions clearly.
Synonyms
214
1.1
Put information on paper to help you remember it later
158
1.3
To write something down so you do not forget it
117
2.4
To write something so you do not forget it
70
3.9
Officially set a rule or law that people must follow
52
3.4
To write something down on paper or a screen
38
3.5
Put information into a complete report
32
3.2
To arrange objects or information in a clear organized way
30
3.4
To write something so you can remember it
29
4.2
To state something clearly in writing or speech
27
2.9
To write a short note quickly to remember something
25
2.4
Put all the details on a form or paper
1
4.2
To write down an idea, plan, or appointment
Antonyms
How Official
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'to remove from a vehicle and leave at a particular place' is directly derivable from combining a putting/placing sense of 'set' with 'down' (to a lower/place position). This verb+particle composition is a common, cross-linguistic pattern (place/put + down = deposit/drop off), so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will likely understand it.
Etymology
Set down may come from the picture of set (to place) and down (to lower) applied to writing: think of putting your thoughts 'down' on paper as if you place small objects on a table. That's why it means 'to write' or 'record' something.