1 B2 neutral
To save money or resources, putting them away for future use.
"She had set by enough money over the years to pay for her grandchildren's education."
separable
set by
B2 neutral separable transitive
To save or put away money or goods for future use.
In plain English
To save something, especially money, to use later.
What does "set by" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Somewhat old-fashioned in modern British English. More common in older literature and regional dialects. The modern equivalent is 'set aside' or 'put by'.
Words that pair with "set by"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
money savings provisions food funds supplies
How to conjugate "set by"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
set by
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets by
he/she/it
Past simple
set by
yesterday
Past participle
set by
have + pp
-ing form
setting by
continuous
Hear "set by" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "set by" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "set by"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
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