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Glite Dictionary
set-back

set-back

8.3
A part of a building where the wall becomes narrower in steps
  • noun
  • /ˈsɛtˌbæk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : recuo
  • The design of the building features a set-back that creates a staggered appearance as it rises.

Examples

  • To comply with city regulations, the new construction includes a set-back at each floor.

  • Architects often incorporate a set-back in high-rise buildings to enhance their aesthetic appeal.

  • Where we figured it could work is if the figures were set back from the front plane of the cabinets and dropped behind the cabinets.

Synonyms

offset
vsset-back
4 6.0

A part that sticks out from the main surface, like a step in a wall

is a recessed narrowing in steps for structural or aesthetic reasons
setoff
vsset-back
  • Specialized
9.0

A step in a wall where the upper part is thinner than the lower part

is a stepped upward narrowing used for structure or decoration

How Deep

set-back
  • Specialized
8.3
recess
9 4.3
indentation
13 3.7

Surface Forms

set-back singular
set-backs plural

Morphology

set-back = set (transparent) = back + set

Literal compound of 'set' + 'back' meaning a part set back from the main line of the building, so the meaning is directly derivable. [Postprocessing: moved 'back' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

Set-back comes from the everyday words set ('to put') and back ('toward the rear'), giving the image of something being put back like a step. So a set-back is the part of a building that is pushed in or narrowed, creating terraces or a stepped shape.