set down

To put something on a surface, or stop a vehicle to let passengers get out.

• Set the box down here.
• She gently set down the sleeping baby.
• The bus sets passengers down outside the hospital.

How to use it: set something down on something (She set the tray down on the table.); set someone down at a place (The coach set us down at the station.)

Similar words: put down, place, drop off

Opposites: pick up

Common phrases: set down a bag, set down passengers, set something down

To write something so that it can be read or remembered later.

• Set down your ideas.
• He set down what he remembered of the journey.
• Have you set your plans down on paper?

How to use it: set something down (She set her memories down in a notebook.); set down something in writing (Please set down your concerns in writing.)

Similar words: write down, record, put down

Common phrases: set down thoughts, set down an account, set something down

To decide and state rules or conditions that people must follow.

• The school set down clear rules.
• These conditions were set down when the agreement was signed.
• Who set down the standards we have to follow?

How to use it: set down something (The contract sets down each worker's duties.); set down that + clause (The rules set down that all entries must arrive by Friday.)

Similar words: lay down, establish, stipulate

Common phrases: set down rules, set down conditions, set down requirements

To bring an aircraft onto the ground or water at the end of a flight.

• The helicopter set down safely.
• The pilot set down on a quiet stretch of water.
• Could you set the plane down in that field?

How to use it: set down on/in/at a place (The pilot set down in a nearby field.); set an aircraft down (She set the helicopter down beside the road.)

Similar words: land, touch down

Opposites: take off

Common phrases: set down safely, set down on water, set down the helicopter

To decide that someone is a particular kind of person.

• I set him down as a liar.
• She had set the visitor down as someone unimportant.
• They set me down as foolish before hearing my explanation.

How to use it: set someone down as something (She set him down as a fool after their first meeting.)

Similar words: judge, regard, take for

Common phrases: set someone down, set down as foolish