start a journey
We set off early in the morning to avoid the traffic.
set off — 3 meanings
Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.
phrasal verb3 meanings
set offsame phrase
Which one do you mean?
trigger something
The smoke set off the fire alarm in the kitchen.
highlight by contrast
The bright blue cushions really set off the neutral tones of the living room.
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Meanings in detail
1. start a journey
B1neutralboth
to begin traveling to a place, especially after preparing to leave.
We set off early in the morning to avoid the traffic.
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Sign in to unlock2. trigger something
B2neutralboth
to cause something to start happening, especially suddenly or unexpectedly.
The smoke set off the fire alarm in the kitchen.
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Sign in to unlock3. highlight by contrast
C2neutralboth
to make something look more attractive or noticeable by being different from it, especially through contrast in appearance or qualities.
The bright blue cushions really set off the neutral tones of the living room.
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