set ʌp
neutral
beginner
- Base verb:
- set
- Particle:
- up
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "set up" mean?
- To establish or start something (business, organization, system)
- To arrange or prepare something for use
- To make someone appear guilty of something they didn't do
- To arrange a meeting or event
Examples
- She set up her own business after leaving her corporate job.
- Can you help me set up the projector for the presentation?
- He claims he was set up by his former partner.
- We need to set up a meeting with the stakeholders.
- It takes time to set up a new computer properly.
How to use it
'Setup' (noun) refers to the arrangement or configuration. 'Set someone up' can mean introduce them romantically or frame them for a crime - context determines meaning.
Word order
Object can go between: 'set a meeting up' or after: 'set up a meeting'. For framing someone: 'set someone up'.
Similar expressions
establish
arrange
install
configure
frame
Opposites
dismantle
close down
pack up
Related phrasal verbs
- set off
To begin a journey
- set out
To start a journey or begin doing something
- set aside
To save or reserve something for a particular purpose
- set back
To delay the progress or development of something
- set down
To put something down carefully
- set in
To begin and seem likely to continue (usually something unpleasant)
Use it in a practice answer
Try "set up" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.