1fixed or arranged in advance:try to feed the puppy at set times each day
(of a view or habit) unlikely to change:I’ve been on my own a long time and I’m rather set in my ways
(of a person’s expression) held for an unnaturally long time without changing, typically as a reflection of determination:Iris was staring in front of her with a set expression
(of a meal or menu in a restaurant) offered at a fixed price with a limited choice of dishes:a three-course set menu
(of a book) prescribed for study as part of a particular course or for an examination:his book is a set text which has influenced countless schoolchildren
having a conventional or predetermined wording; formulaic:witnesses often delivered their testimony according to a set speech
2 [predic.] ready, prepared, or likely to do something:‘All set for tonight?’ he asked [with infinitive]:water costs look set to increase
(set against) firmly opposed to:last night you were dead set against the idea
(set on) determined to do (something):he’s set on marrying that girl
