1 B1 neutral
To save or reserve something (time, money, resources) for a specific purpose.
"Try to set aside at least an hour each day for exercise."
separable
set aside
B1 neutral separable transitive
To reserve something for a specific purpose, or to decide to temporarily ignore something.
In plain English
To save something for later use, or to stop letting something affect you so you can focus on other things.
What does "set aside" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To deliberately ignore or not allow something (feelings, differences) to influence a situation.
"We need to set aside our personal differences and focus on what is best for the company."
separable
3 C1 idiomatic formal
(Legal) To officially cancel or reject a court decision or legal ruling.
"The appeal court set aside the original verdict, ordering a new trial."
separable
Usage tip
Very common in both everyday and formal/legal contexts. In legal language, to 'set aside' a ruling means to cancel it. In everyday use, 'set aside your differences' is a common collocation.
Words that pair with "set aside"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
time money differences ruling concerns prejudice
How to conjugate "set aside"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
set aside
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets aside
he/she/it
Past simple
set aside
yesterday
Past participle
set aside
have + pp
-ing form
setting aside
continuous
Hear "set aside" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "set aside" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "set aside"
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Keep exploring
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