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set against

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To make someone dislike or oppose something, or to balance one thing against another when calculating costs.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To cause someone to oppose or become hostile to something or someone.

"The campaign deliberately set local residents against the new development."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To offset or deduct one amount against another, especially for tax purposes.

"You can set business expenses against your taxable income."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To view or present something in contrast to a background or opposing idea.

"The beauty of the landscape seems even more striking when set against the poverty of the villages."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The financial sense (offsetting costs) is common in accounting and taxation. The 'cause to oppose' sense is common in narrative and analytical writing.

Commonly used with

backdrop costs losses profits each other tax

Forms

Base
set against
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets against
he/she/it
Past simple
set against
yesterday
Past participle
set against
have + pp
-ing form
setting against
continuous

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Synonyms

oppose pit against offset balance against contrast turn against

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